National Educator Safety and Accountability Act of 2025

(1) The safety of children in schools is a compelling national interest requiring consistent Federal oversight and standards.

(2) Cases of educator sexual misconduct have increased in several States, and there is currently no uniform national reporting mechanism to track offenders.

(3) Gaps in reporting and communication between school districts and State education agencies have allowed individuals with substantiated misconduct to obtain new employment with children.

(4) Mandatory, standardized training on professional boundaries, grooming behaviors, and reporting requirements is essential to preventing abuse.

(5) A coordinated Federal effort is necessary to gather data, analyze national trends, identify weaknesses, and support the development of best practices.

(1) Educator means any individual employed by, contracted with, or volunteering in a school, including teachers, administrators, coaches, aides, substitutes, contractors, and any person with regular access to students.

(2) School means any public elementary or secondary school, charter school, or other educational entity receiving Federal funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(3) Sexual misconduct includes sexual abuse, exploitation, grooming behavior, boundary violations, inappropriate communications, and any conduct directed toward a student that violates Federal, State, or local policies or criminal statutes.

(4) State educational agency has the meaning given in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

(5) NEMDR means the National Educator Misconduct and Discipline Registry established under this Act.

The Secretary of Education, in coordination with the Attorney General, shall establish and maintain the National Educator Misconduct and Discipline Registry (NEMDR).

The Registry shall serve as a national clearinghouse of educator discipline records to prevent the rehiring of individuals with substantiated misconduct involving students.

The Registry shall include:

(1) Records of license revocations, suspensions, and disciplinary actions related to sexual misconduct.

(2) Findings of misconduct by school districts or State agencies.

(3) Reports of resignations submitted during an active investigation.

(4) Prohibitions on student contact imposed by any school, district, or State agency.

Each school and school district shall report to both the State educational agency and NEMDR within 48 hours of:

(1) Any final finding of educator sexual misconduct;

(2) Any termination, non-renewal, or discipline related to such misconduct;

(3) Any resignation tendered during a pending investigation; and

(4) Any other substantial evidence of grooming or boundary violations.

No school or school district may enter into an agreement that conceals, suppresses, or prevents dissemination of information about substantiated misconduct.

State educational agencies shall transmit disciplinary actions and licensure determinations to NEMDR within 30 days of issuance.

Access to NEMDR shall be granted to:

(1) School districts;

(2) State educational agencies;

(3) Law enforcement, as authorized; and

(4) Certifying or licensing bodies.

A school shall query NEMDR as part of every hiring decision involving any position with student contact.

Any State or school district that fails to comply with reporting requirements shall be ineligible for selected Federal education grants designated by the Secretary.

The Secretary may impose civil penalties for repeated violations.

Noncompliant States or districts must submit a corrective action plan within 60 days.

The Secretary of Education and the Attorney General shall jointly establish a Federal Task Force on Educator Sexual Misconduct.

Membership shall include:

(1) Representatives of the Department of Education;

(2) The Department of Justice;

(3) State educational agencies;

(4) Child protection specialists;

(5) Data and criminal justice experts; and

(6) Law enforcement officials.

The Task Force shall:

(1) Collect and analyze national data from NEMDR;

(2) Identify systemic weaknesses and high-risk indicators;

(3) Publish annual public reports to Congress;

(4) Provide recommendations for policy enhancement; and

(5) Offer technical assistance to States on compliance and prevention strategies.

The Secretary of Education and the Attorney General shall issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act.

(a) Reporting and training requirements shall take effect 12 months after enactment.

(b) NEMDR shall be fully operational no later than 24 months after enactment.