This bill aims to protect K–12 students from sexual abuse by setting clear rules and training in schools that get federal education funds. States would have to require each school district to create codes of conduct for staff–student and student–student relationships, and make sure all school staff are trained on those codes, how to report child abuse, duties under Title IX, and sexual abuse awareness and prevention. The bill also allows states and districts to use existing federal education funds to pay for this training. The U.S. Department of Education must study and report on how often this abuse happens within one year, and suggest ways to prevent it. These changes would take effect two years after the bill becomes law. The bill cites past findings that many states lacked clear rules and training, and that sexual misconduct by school personnel has affected students in the past.

Key points

• Who is affected: State education agencies, school districts, school staff, and K–12 students.
• What changes: Codes of conduct for staff and students; required staff training on reporting, Title IX duties, and abuse prevention; permission to use federal education funds for this training.
• When: Education Department report due 1 year after enactment; statewide policies and funding changes take effect 2 years after enactment.