HARTFORD — Legislation that requires local and regional school boards in Connecticut to take additional steps to determine whether teacher candidates have a history of sexual misconduct or abuse involving children has cleared the House of Representatives.
Lawmakers passed legislation Saturday that attempts to stop a practice called “passing the trash.” That’s when a school suspects a teacher of sexual misconduct and forces the teacher out to protect students, but the teacher can still get a new job and sometimes with a glowing recommendation.
The bill requires school boards to provide information to other districts about whether a teacher applicant was disciplined for abuse, neglect or sexual misconduct and whether they know that a teacher has been convicted of a crime or of pending criminal charges.
The bill now awaits Senate action.
