Senator Cunningham’s “Amy Hestir Student Protection Act” Signed by Governor

Legislation Will Protect Missouri Children from
Sexual Abuse in Schools

JEFFERSON CITY — Today, Senate Bill 54, sponsored by Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-Chesterfield, was signed by the governor. Senator Cunningham’s legislation will create the “Amy Hestir Student Protection Act,” and will help protect children from sexual assault in Missouri schools.

 “I’ve fought for this legislation and for our children for five years, and I’m proud to see this act finally receive the governor’s stamp of approval,” Sen. Cunningham said. “This legislation is vital to protect our children from sexual predators in our schools — places meant as safe learning environments. Aside from mandatory extensive background checks, my bill will make it possible for school officials to be aware of sexual misconduct exhibited by potential hires and their employees when making staffing decisions. This will serve as an invaluable tool for protecting our children.”

Amy Hestir, for whom the legislation is named, is a Missouri woman who was continually molested and assaulted by her junior high school teacher. The teacher was employed by several school districts, even winning a “Teacher of the Year” award, before retiring. The practice of sexually abusive teachers moving across the state is so common that the Missouri Department of Education has termed the practice, “Passing the Trash.”

Senator Cunningham’s legislation also specifies that school districts in Missouri are allowed to discuss information about their employees with other school districts. School districts will be liable for damages if they dismiss an employee or allow an employee to resign for reasons of sexual misconduct, and then fail to disclose those reasons in a reference request from another school district.

“With the passage of my bill, our children will have solid protection from these predators,” Sen. Cunningham said. “I am very glad the governor saw the importance of my legislation.”

Senator Cunningham’s legislation was unanimously approved by the Senate on April 7. Her legislation will go into effect on Aug. 28.

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