Teacher Certification and Background Checks
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Official record
HB0108 Bill No.: HB0108 Drafter: TH LSO No.: 12LSO-0274 Effective Date: March 13, 2012 Enrolled Act No.: HEA0042 Chapter No.: CH0071 Prime Sponsor: Representative McKim Catch Title: Professional teaching standards board-teacher certification. Subject: Criminal history record checks for teacher certification and school district employees with access to children. Summary/Major Elements: Clarifies access to criminal history record information for applicants for certification by the Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) and for school district employees with access to minors; Specifies required submission of fingerprinting by certification applicants and applicable district employees for background information purposes; Expands grounds for teacher certification revocation, denial and nonrenewal by PTSB to include misrepresentation; Prohibits certification issuance by PTSB until receipt of background check information and the applicant has provided release of background information to PTSB and if applicable, to employing district; Requires PTSB to release specified background information to school districts upon request by the local board; Grants authority to school district boards to request fingerprints of initial hires with access to minors, at the cost of the district.
Public statements
Last checked Aug 10, 11:59 AM
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the bill because it removes authority from local school districts to conduct background checks and shifts control to a state agency funded by teachers.
D · S09
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because it gives the licensing board authority to deny licenses to applicants with felony convictions, preventing them from holding a state license before school districts review them.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because it addresses pressure on the Professional Teaching Standards Board caused by a high volume of applicants due to Wyoming's competitive teacher pay and funding.
R · S16
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports passing the bill because it ensures that no teacher enters a classroom without undergoing a background check, which is vital for protecting children.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker states that the proposed language will provide more clarity and direction to the bill.
If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.
Wyoming roll calls
6 roll calls
Official activity
Changes
9 stored
Withdrawn 2nd reading by KASPERIK
Adopted 3rd reading by KASPERIK
Adopted Standing Committee by H04
Failed 2nd reading by DOCKSTADER
Adopted 3rd reading by DOCKSTADER
Failed Committee of the Whole by JENNINGS
Adopted Committee of the Whole by ROTHFUSS
Adopted Committee of the Whole by ROTHFUSS
Adopted Standing Committee by COE