MS HB35

Requires superintendents of public and state-accredited private school districts to report all instances of educator misconduct to the State Department of Education within seven days, including criminal records, abuse or unlawful acts with students, controlled substance violations, misappropriation of funds, fraudulent credential alterations, and test security violations.

Mandates principals and superintendents to immediately report to the district attorney, State Department of Education, and Commission of Teacher and Administrator Education when educators in positions of authority or special trust are accused of sexual involvement with enrolled students under age 18.

Increases penalties for teachers having sexual intercourse with students under 18 to a maximum fine of $1,000 per offense and requires the teacher be punished the same as a conviction of sexual battery under Section 97-3-101(1).

Designates reported information as privileged and restricts disclosure to the accused, superintendent, State Department of Education, Commission of Teacher and Administrator Education, district attorney, and law enforcement agencies.

Takes effect July 1, 2010.