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Paul Nelson and AP reporting Two Republican lawmakers want to block teachers convicted of sexual abuse from ever getting back in the classroom.
Rep. Carl Wimmer of Herriman and Rep. Stephen Sandstrom of Orem both say they're planning legislation that would force Utah's State Board of Education to permanently revoke a convicted teacher's license.
Wimmer's proposal would apply to teachers who molest students or other children. Sandstrom's bill would revoke a teacher's license when the sexual conduct occurs with an adult student.
Current law allows for permanent revocation. It's more common, however, for the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission to recommend revocations of five years or more.
Take the case of Frank Hall, convicted of molesting students in Riverton. Lawmakers say he could apply for a new license in 25 years.
"When an individual is convicted of such a crime, I don't think they should be teaching school," said Cal Evans, Jordan School District compliance executive director.
Evans says cases like this cause parents lots of heartache--parents like Holly Bell. She says the bill would be a relief for people like her. "They should not feel any apprehension that their children's safety might be in jeopardy," Bell said.
But, some state officials have been quoted as saying a permanent revocation might not fit every case. The Utah Legislature convenes Monday.
(The Associated Press and Salt Lake Tribune contributed to this article. Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
