Creates provisions relating to liability claims in educational settings
Impact
The legislation is designed to enhance student safety by ensuring that educational institutions can mitigate financial risks associated with liabilities arising from student injuries or accidents during school-related events. By allowing the procurement of insurance specifically tailored for school-sponsored activities, the bill addresses potential gaps in oversight surrounding student participation in work-based learning opportunities, which have become more prevalent in the current educational framework.
Summary
House Bill 2190 aims to amend Missouri's chapters relating to educational liability claims. Specifically, the bill introduces new provisions under sections 162.012 and 170.038 that authorize school boards to purchase insurance contracts to protect against claims related to bodily injury, sickness, or death of students during school-sponsored activities. This includes activities associated with work-based learning programs, establishing a pathway to secure coverage for students involved in these educational initiatives both on and off school premises.
Contention
While the intent of HB 2190 is to bolster protections for students and schools, there may be varying opinions on the implications of such legislative changes. Concerns could be raised regarding the financial burden on school districts to invest in additional insurance policies, as well as the potential for ambiguity in defining the scope of 'negligence' and 'gross negligence' as outlined within the liability protections for employers participating in work-based learning programs. Such aspects may also lead to discussions on balancing the need for safety with the operational capacities of local educational agencies.