Print ArticleSenate Bill 1105 by Senator Bob Margett (R-Glendora) passed the State Senate today. SB 1105 closes the loophole which allows teachers who plead no contest to specified sex and drug offenses to continue teaching in the classroom.
Under the current teacher credentialing law, if a person is found guilty of a misdemeanor sex offense, they immediately lose their teaching credential, effectively barring them from teaching. However, if there is a plea of no contest, then all credentials held by the person are suspended until a final decision by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing is made.
"You should not be able to plead no contest to a sex offense just so you can continue teaching," said Senator Margett. "If you are innocent, you plead innocent, and you show the court why you are innocent. It is inexcusable to be able to exploit a loophole and jeopardize our children so one can continue teaching."
Senator Margett went on to criticize the California Teachers Association and the American Civil Liberties Union who both opposed the measure and lobbied against it in numerous committees. "Why a group who represents teachers would want a sex offender teaching in the classroom is beyond me," Senator Margett stated. "The ACLU is one thing, but for a teachers union to oppose a measure designed to make our schools safer is just plain baffling."
However, Senator Margett praised his colleagues for seeing the true merits of the bill by adding, "In an era of constant partisanship and bickering, it is inspiring to see my colleagues join together to vote for a measure which ensures all holders of teaching credentials charged with sex or controlled substance offenses are dealt with appropriately."
The Governor has until September 30th to act on the measur.
Under the current teacher credentialing law, if a person is found guilty of a misdemeanor sex offense, they immediately lose their teaching credential, effectively barring them from teaching. However, if there is a plea of no contest, then all credentials held by the person are suspended until a final decision by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing is made.
"You should not be able to plead no contest to a sex offense just so you can continue teaching," said Senator Margett. "If you are innocent, you plead innocent, and you show the court why you are innocent. It is inexcusable to be able to exploit a loophole and jeopardize our children so one can continue teaching."
Senator Margett went on to criticize the California Teachers Association and the American Civil Liberties Union who both opposed the measure and lobbied against it in numerous committees. "Why a group who represents teachers would want a sex offender teaching in the classroom is beyond me," Senator Margett stated. "The ACLU is one thing, but for a teachers union to oppose a measure designed to make our schools safer is just plain baffling."
However, Senator Margett praised his colleagues for seeing the true merits of the bill by adding, "In an era of constant partisanship and bickering, it is inspiring to see my colleagues join together to vote for a measure which ensures all holders of teaching credentials charged with sex or controlled substance offenses are dealt with appropriately."
The Governor has until September 30th to act on the measur.
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