A revised version of the controversial Senate Bill 181 was recently introduced in the Kentucky Senate.
Last year, Senate Bill 181 caused quite a bit of concern from teachers, school staff and volunteers. The bill implemented several restrictions on electronic communication between students and school district employees and volunteers. Here in Russell County, the board of education approved school district email and the Parent Square app as its traceable forms of communication under the law.
Now, a revised version has been filed with some notable changes.
Previously, the law stated that any school volunteer that was in violation of the new requirements – even accidentally – shall be prohibited by the school district from future volunteer opportunities. Now, the law says that volunteer “may” be prohibited, allowing more flexibility.
The revised version now also includes exceptions for virtual school instruction, electronic translation services, and communication where a parent is included.
An exception is also included for situations in which there is belief an emergency exists that creates “an imminent risk to any person or property.”
The full text of the bill can be found here.
