OR: Bills seek to prevent abuse in Oregon schools

2/11/2009, 1:29 p.m. PST
By BRAD CAIN
The Associated Press
http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-29/1234388044195070.xml&storylist=orlocal

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Senate has approved two bills aimed at preventing educators and others working in schools from sexually abusing students.

One measure expands the state's authority to require fingerprinting of newly hired school employees — even if they don't have direct, unsupervised contact with children.

The other would give the state authority to revoke or suspend the right of student teachers to apply for a license if they engage in misconduct.

Backers say that while the number of sexual abuse cases in schools is small, the state needs to do whatever it can to keep children safe.

Both bills go to the House.