The beginning of school is right around the corner, and as students return to sports, clubs, and other activities, one major change from the Kentucky General Assembly will undoubtedly be felt all across our Commonwealth. From teachers to coaches to school administrators, the buzz around Ky. Senate Bill 181 has educators and parents wondering how this will affect their school year.
Senate Bill 181 is designed to prevent inappropriate communication between students and school staff by setting strict limits on how employees and volunteers may contact students. Under SB 181, any communication from a “school district employee or volunteer” must take place through a designated “traceable communication system.” This system must be approved by the local board of education, keep a record of all messages to and from students, and allow parents to view those communications. That means platforms like GroupMe, TeamSpeak, or similar mass-messaging apps can no longer be used. Instead, the district must choose a single platform that meets the bill’s requirements, and all student communication must go through that one system only.
There are only two exceptions to this rule. First, communication is allowed between students and their family members, which are defined in the bill as including a parent, sibling, child, aunt, uncle, or grandparent (each with specific definitions in the bill). Second, a parent can submit written consent to the school’s administrative office, allowing a specific “school district employee or volunteer” to contact their child outside the “single-designated forum.” This consent can be revoked at any time and may include terms which outline acceptable communication.
The penalties for breaking these rules are significant. Volunteers who violate the communication protocol will be banned from participating in future school volunteer activities. For example, if a parent sends a message to another student, such as their child’s classmate, they could lose the opportunity to chaperone school events in the future, if the violation is reported. For school employees, discipline can follow if the report is found to be substantiated. If a school employee holds a teaching certificate or similar professional license, they may face disciplinary action from the Education Professional Standards Board. This could include having their license suspended or revoked. Just like any other license or certification, the certified employee can request a hearing under KRS 13B and must be given due process prior to any action.
Although these new rules are affecting teachers now, education isn’t the only profession impacted by recent legislation from the Kentucky General Assembly. Nurses, doctors, dentists, and other licensed professionals across the state may also be subject to new requirements. If you’re unsure about changes to your license or certification, an experienced attorney can help you understand your obligations and stay compliant. Similarly, any teacher, nurse, or other licensed professional facing a complaint or issue with their license should consult an experienced attorney to give themselves the best chance of continuing in the profession they’re passionate about. The law may change, but one’s love of their profession is something that isn’t so easily swayed. If you must appear before your professional licensure board, you should do it with experience in your corner.
