HB 1121: Bar Felons From School Employment

The bill enacts the "Felon-free Schools Act of 2011". A school district, a charter school, or an institute charter school is prohibited from employing as a nonlicensed employee a person who has a conviction for certain enumerated criminal offenses. For positions requiring a license, if the license, endorsement, or authorization is issued on or after September 15, 2011, the state board of education shall deny a license, endorsement, or authorization if the applicant has been convicted of a felony drug offense. For a license, certificate, endorsement, or authorization initially issued prior to September 15, 2011, the state board of education shall deny, annul, suspend, or revoke the license, certificate, endorsement, or authorization if the holder is convicted of a felony drug offense on or after September 15, 2011, and may deny, annul, suspend, or revoke the license, certificate, endorsement, or authorization if the holder is convicted of a felony drug offense prior to September 15, 2011. The bill makes conforming amendments relating to this provision. A school district board of education must ask the department of education whether an applicant for employment has received a disposition or an adjudication for an offense that would constitute felony unlawful sexual behavior if committed by an adult. The department of education is required to provide the information to the school district.