SB2044 Summary

• Requires sex offender and violent offender database checks be conducted every 5 years for all school employees, not just at initial hire.

• Prohibits schools from knowingly employing or allowing persons to student teach who have an indicated finding of abuse or neglect by Department of Children and Family Services or another jurisdiction's child welfare agency.

• Authorizes State Superintendent to immediately suspend educator licenses when applicants or license holders are charged with sex offenses, first degree murder, Class X felonies, or equivalent out-of-state offenses, pending adjudication in court.

• Requires State Board of Education to conduct random audits of educators to verify completion of required professional development hours, with consequences for noncompliance.

• Modifies teacher resignation rules to allow board referral to State Superintendent for potential license suspension (up to one year) when teachers resign during school term without board approval to accept other teaching positions.