ME LD2192

Requires job applicants to disclose any past investigations by employers, licensing agencies, law enforcement, or health and human services related to misconduct including alcohol/drug use, abuse, harassment, sexual assault, stalking, or sexual exploitation of minors—even if allegations were unsubstantiated

Mandates school entities verify applicant employment histories with current and former employers from the past 20 years, with employers required to respond within 14 days and provide additional information within 90 days if requested

Requires schools to begin misconduct investigations upon any notice of alleged conduct (no formal complaint needed), complete all investigations once initiated, and immediately notify the Department of Education if an employee leaves during an investigation or is disciplined/terminated

Changes Department of Education records policy from destroying investigation records to maintaining them permanently, even if disciplinary findings are reversed on appeal

Voids any collective bargaining agreement, employment contract, or severance agreement provisions that interfere with mandated abuse/neglect reporting, and directs the Department to report to the Legislature comparing school information requests before and after implementation