Senator Margett Seeks To Close Loophole Allowing Sex Offenders To Continue Teaching In The Classroom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 16, 2008
Contact: Sean Adams @ (916) 651-4029

Senator Bob Margett (R-Glendora) introduced Senate Bill 1105 today to close the loophole which has allowed teachers who plead no contest to misdemeanor sex offenses to continue teaching in the classroom.

Under the current teacher credentialing law, if a person is found guilty of a misdemeanor sex offense, they immediately lose their teaching credential, effectively barring them from teaching. However, if there is a plea of no contest, then all credentials held by the person are suspended until a final decision by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing is made.

This has allowed some teachers who have plead no contest to sexual offenses to come back into the classroom.

SB 1105 would close this loophole by eliminating the distinction between a guilty plea and a “no contest” plea for misdemeanor convictions for credential holders.

“You should not be able to plead no contest to a sex offense just so you can continue teaching,” said Senator Margett. “If you are innocent, you plead innocent, and you show the court why you are innocent. Otherwise, you should not exploit a loophole so you can continue teaching a classroom full of children and place them in jeopardy.”

The measure is sponsored by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and is expected to be referred to the Senate Committee on Education.