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HCS/HB 1722 – This act modifies provisions relating to school employee liability, safety practices, and reporting acts of violence. Currently, school discipline policies must include a requirement that school administrators report acts of school violence to teachers with a need to know. This act provides that such acts of school violence must be provided to all teachers. Students on suspension for acts of violence or drug-related offenses cannot be within 1,000 feet of school property or any activity of the district without the consent of the superintendent. This act expands employee immunity from correctly following discipline policies to all policies. In addition, it allows school district personnel to use force to protect persons or property as long as no allegation of sexual misconduct arises and another school employee is present as a witness in the case of spanking. By July 1, 2010, the State Board of Education must add to any school facilities and safety criteria develop for the Missouri School Improvement Program provisions that suggest that the drills required pursuant to the standard for safe facilities occur at least annually. All staff must receive sufficient training on the security and crisis management plan. District school boards may authorize and commission school officers to enforce laws relating to crimes committed on school premises, at school activities, and on school buses as described in the act. School officers must abide by school board policies and coordinate with the superintendent, or the superintendent's designee. Any crimes involving a sexual offense or any felony involving the threat or use of force will remain under the authority of the local jurisdiction. The act replaces the definition of "homeless children" with the federal definition when addressing residency requirements for school districts. Current law requires a school official who enrolls a nonresident pupil to request student transfer records within forty-eight hours. This act requires a school official to request all education records deemed necessary by the school official for enrollment within two business days, including IEPs and health records. In addition, school districts may report or disclose education records to other state or local officials as described in the act. When a student is found to have committed a reportable offense, the school district must attach notice of it to the student's permanent record and academic transcript. Currently, only the St. Louis City school district may require school uniforms. This act allows any school district to require students to wear a school uniform or restrict student dress to a particular style. This act exempts unqualified employees who refuse to administer medication or medical services from disciplinary action. Qualified employees are exempted from liability for administering medication or medical services, including CPR, when done in good faith and according to standard medical practices. Students may self-administer medication for chronic conditions. Employees trained and supervised by the school nurse are authorized to use an epinephrine auto-syringe on a student as described in the act. An employee background check and fingerprint record is good for one year and transferable from district to district. The Missouri Children's Services Commission is required to recommend best practices for sharing agency information regarding students receiving state services by July 1, 2009. This act is similar to HCS/HB 469 (2007) and is similar to provisions contained in SB 995 (2008) and SB 399 (2007). MICHAEL RUFF |