JACKSON, MISS. — State Senator Michael McLendon has released a statement regarding a proposed new state law that would help protect school children from child predators in school. The statement reads as follows:
In light of the growing number of arrests involving teachers, school employees, and other individuals entrusted with the care of children, State Senator Michael McLendon today announced plans to begin work immediately on the School Predator Accountability Act, a comprehensive legislative package that he intends to introduce during the next legislative session.
“Predators belong in prison, not in our classrooms,” said McLendon. “The School Predator Accountability Act closes loopholes, exposes bad actors, protects whistleblowers, empowers parents, and ensures those who target children face consequences that follow them for life.”
The School Predator Accountability Act includes the following measures:
SCHOOL PREDATOR REGISTRY ACT
Creates a statewide database accessible to school districts, law enforcement agencies, and the public. The registry would include educators who lose licenses for sexual misconduct, employees terminated for substantiated sexual misconduct, contractors barred from schools, and individuals who resign during active investigations.
CLASSROOM WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ACT
Provides strong protections and financial rewards for school employees and volunteers who report child sexual abuse or misconduct that results in an arrest or conviction, similar to Crimestoppers.
The legislation prohibits retaliation, demotion, termination, or harassment against employees who come forward with credible information.
“Good teachers and volunteers should never have to choose between protecting a child and protecting their job,” McLendon said. “This measure will not only prevent that from happening, but also incentivize reporting through financial rewards.”
EDUCATOR CHEMICAL CASTRATION ELIGIBILITY ACT
Authorizes courts to order chemical castration for offenders who commit sexual crimes against minors while serving as teachers, principals, coaches, school counselors, or school contractors.
McLendon said the proposal reflects the seriousness of abusing a position of trust to exploit children.
PARENT RIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT
Requires school districts to notify parents within three hours when an employee, volunteer, or contractor is arrested for a child sex crime connected to school employment.
“No parent should learn from rumors or social media that a predator was working around their child,” McLendon said. “The parents who drop their kids off every morning should be the first to know.”
MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL PREDATOR STRIKE FORCE ACT
Creates a specialized statewide unit within the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or the Office of the Attorney General dedicated to investigating school-related child exploitation cases.
Responsibilities would include school-related child exploitation investigations, online predator investigations involving educators, digital forensic support, multi-jurisdiction investigations, and training for school districts and law enforcement agencies.
“One victim is one too many, and we have seen far too many in our schools lately,” said Senator McLendon. “I only hope Republican leadership, which campaigns on being tough on crime every election year, will allow these bills to receive a vote on the floor. Unfortunately, several of my previous public safety bills were killed in committee.
Senator Michael W. McLendon
