SCS SB 631 Summary

• Creates the "Amy Hestir Student Protection Act" establishing comprehensive protections for children from sexual offenders in schools through background checks, reporting requirements, and investigative procedures.

• Requires school districts to adopt written discipline policies addressing school violence, mandatory reporting of 25 specified serious crimes to law enforcement, and restricts suspended students from being within 1,000 feet of school property unless supervised or residing there.

• Prohibits sex offenders registered under sections 589.400-589.425 from serving as school board candidates or members; mandates criminal background checks for all school employees and contractors with student contact prior to employment.

• Establishes protocols requiring school districts and children's division to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct by school employees within specified timeframes with joint investigations by juvenile officers and school personnel, with findings reported to prosecuting attorneys.

• Extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting sexual offenses involving minors from 20 to 30 years after the victim turns 18, except for forcible rape, attempted rape, forcible sodomy, and kidnapping which have no time limit.