Proposal Targets “Passing the Trash,” Requiring Schools to Report Educator Sexual Misconduct Within 48 Hours

Washington, D.C. — A new U.S. House bill would create a nationwide system aimed at stopping educators accused of sexual misconduct from quietly moving to new jobs with access to students.

The proposal, H.R. 6525, introduced Dec. 9 by Rep. Wesley Hunt, would direct the U.S. Department of Education—working with the Justice Department—to build a National Educator Misconduct and Discipline Registry as a clearinghouse for discipline records tied to educator sexual misconduct. 

Under the bill, schools and districts would be required to report key events to their state education agency and the new registry within 48 hours, including final findings of sexual misconduct, discipline tied to such misconduct, and resignations submitted during an active investigation. The measure also calls for reporting of “substantial evidence” of grooming or boundary violations.

The legislation would also bar districts from entering agreements that conceal substantiated misconduct—a practice often described as “passing the trash.” In hiring, schools would have to query the registry for any role involving student contact.

For families, the biggest day-to-day change would likely be behind the scenes: faster reporting and an added hiring check intended to reduce the odds that someone with substantiated misconduct can be rehired elsewhere. Parents can ask their district how it currently handles staff background checks, reference calls, and reporting to state authorities.

As of late December, Congress.gov lists the bill with one recorded action, introduction and referral to committee, meaning hearings or votes have not yet been scheduled publicly. 

This article was produced by an education parenting today journalist with the assistance of AI. This is not legal advice. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.