A bill for an act relating to mandatory reporting to the board of educational examiners of licensed school employees who engage in grooming behavior toward students.

This bill modifies the definition of "grooming behavior" for which licensed school employees must be reported to the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE). Currently, "grooming behavior" is defined as actions to entice a student with the intent to engage in a sex act. This bill expands the definition to a "pattern of behavior" intended to entice or entrap a student. The updated definition clarifies that the intent is to "take advantage of such student for the benefit of the individual," which includes engaging in a sex act, but is not limited to it. School administrators remain responsible for reporting disciplinary actions related to this behavior.