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HB 5327

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE DISCLOSURE OF AN OPEN INVESTIGATION OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT OR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT, INJURY OR RISK OF INJURY TO OR IMPAIRING THE MORALS OF A MINOR DURING THE HIRING PROCESS OF A SCHOOL EMPLOYEE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mitch Bolinsky and 2 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill permits schools to disclose open investigations of abuse, neglect, or misconduct against job candidates to improve hiring safety decisions.

FILE NO. 381
#boardsofeducation #charterschools #contractors #criminalhistoryrecords #disclosure #educationdepartment #employers #investigations #magnetschools #nonpublicschools #schooldistricts #schoolemployees #sexoffenders #teachers
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Bill Summary · HB 5327

Legislative bill overview

HB 5327 would allow Connecticut schools to disclose information about open investigations into abuse, neglect, sexual misconduct, or harm to minors when hiring new school employees. Currently, such investigative information may be restricted during the hiring process. The bill aims to give schools access to relevant background information before making employment decisions.

Why is this important

School hiring decisions directly affect child safety. Access to information about ongoing investigations into misconduct could help districts make more informed decisions and potentially prevent individuals under investigation from being hired in positions with student access. This represents a tension between employment privacy protections and institutional child protection measures.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Disclosing open investigations (not yet concluded) could prejudice applicants before findings are made, potentially violating employment fairness principles and creating liability if investigations are dismissed or applicants are later exonerated
  • Definition scope: The bill's broad language ("impairing the morals of a minor") is vague and could capture minor conduct or unsubstantiated allegations, raising questions about what investigations qualify for disclosure
  • Privacy and employment records: Balancing the legitimate privacy interests of investigated individuals against institutional protection goals, particularly regarding false or unproven allegations that could follow candidates between jobs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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