An Act to create 115.31 (1) (d), 115.31 (2r) (d), 115.31 (2s), 115.31 (6d) and 115.31 (6g) of the statutes; Relating to: the voluntary surrender of a license issued by the Department of Public Instruction during an investigation of immoral conduct, prohibited agreements related to information related to an investigation of immoral conduct, and records related to an investigation of immoral conduct.
Impact
With the passage of SB999, existing laws will be amended to enhance the transparency of investigations into immoral conduct by licensees. Notably, the DPI will be required to publicly post the names of those who surrender their licenses, along with the circumstances surrounding the surrender. This change aims to protect the public interest by ensuring that employees in educational roles are held accountable for their actions and that the results of investigations are made more accessible to the public.
Summary
Senate Bill 999 establishes new regulations regarding the surrendering of licenses issued by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) in cases involving allegations of immoral conduct. The bill stipulates that if an investigation into a licensee's conduct occurs, the DPI cannot conclude the investigation or reinstate a license unless the individual has surrendered their license permanently. This is designed to ensure that investigations are fully addressed before any reinstatement of professional credentials can take place.
Contention
While proponents argue that SB999 will strengthen oversight and accountability within educational settings, critics may view the bill as excessively punitive. Some might contend that the requirement for a permanent surrender during an investigation could unduly harm the careers of individuals who may ultimately be exonerated. Furthermore, the enhanced disclosure requirements could be viewed as detrimental to the privacy rights of individuals, particularly if allegations are not substantiated.
Legal_changes
The bill will alter several specific statutory provisions to clarify the definitions and procedures surrounding the surrender of licenses. New clauses will define 'surrender' and ensure that the DPI cannot enter into agreements that would suppress or destroy information related to these investigations. Overall, SB999 appears aimed at cultivating a culture of accountability while simultaneously opening up the process of oversight to public scrutiny.
Crossfiled
An Act to create 115.31 (1) (d), 115.31 (2r) (d), 115.31 (2s), 115.31 (6d) and 115.31 (6g) of the statutes; Relating to: the voluntary surrender of a license issued by the Department of Public Instruction during an investigation of immoral conduct, prohibited agreements related to information related to an investigation of immoral conduct, and records related to an investigation of immoral conduct.
The voluntary surrender of a license issued by the Department of Public Instruction during an investigation of immoral conduct, prohibited agreements related to information related to an investigation of immoral conduct, and records related to an investigation of immoral conduct.
Prohibiting education employers from entering into certain agreements related to information about alleged immoral conduct by an employee and civil immunity for information provided to a prospective employer.
Prohibiting education employers from entering into certain agreements related to information about alleged immoral conduct by an employee and civil immunity for information provided to a prospective employer.
Allows access to sealed and protected records to civilian law enforcement oversight entities conducting investigations and disciplinary proceedings for misconduct by police and peace officers.
Relating to advisory bodies for the Department of Family and Protective Services, including the creation of the child protective investigations advisory committee and the abolition of the Family and Protective Services Council.
Health: other; individualized investigational treatment for certain patients suffering from a life-threatening or severely debilitating illness; provide for. Amends title & secs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 of 2014 PA 345 (MCL 333.26451 et seq.) & adds sec. 2a.