Connecticut Senate Bill SB00054

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/15
• Refer: 1/13/15

Caption

An Act Allowing Criminal History Records Checks And Discipline Of Professors Of Institutions Of Higher Education.

Impact

If enacted, SB00054 would significantly alter the landscape of employment practices within Connecticut's higher education sector. By requiring collective bargaining agreements to encompass the ability to perform criminal background checks, the bill aims to bolster protections for students and faculty alike. This legislative change reflects a growing trend to hold educators accountable for their conduct outside the academic setting and aligns with similar measures adopted in other states focused on maintaining a safe educational atmosphere.

Summary

SB00054, known as the Act Allowing Criminal History Records Checks And Discipline Of Professors Of Institutions Of Higher Education, proposes amendments to state laws to mandate that all collective bargaining agreements between higher education institutions and their professors include provisions for conducting criminal history checks. This aims to enhance the integrity and safety within educational environments by allowing institutions to take disciplinary action, including termination, against professors found guilty of criminal conduct while employed.

Contention

The proposed legislation may face opposition from various stakeholders, particularly labor unions representing professors. Critics could argue that mandating criminal history checks may infringe on privacy rights and disproportionately affect minority groups. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the potential for misuse of the information acquired from such checks and how the disciplinary actions might be enforced. Ultimately, discussions surrounding SB00054 could evoke broader questions about the balance between maintaining a safe educational environment and upholding the rights of educators.