Proposal would add legal costs to challenge from some school employees

(Harrisburg) — School employees convicted of a sex crime against a student in Pennsylvania may soon have to re-pay some legal costs.

State Representative Will Tallman has proposed a measure to require the employee to pay attorney fees, expert fees, and filing costs if their school district fires them after a conviction.

The Adams County Republican says it’s aimed at reducing any burden to the school for the actions of any single employee.

“Since I sit on the House Education Committee, we’ve met with the folks at the Pennsylvania Department of Education. We find out when the school district tries to remove a certification, teachers can appeal that, and then there’s legal costs involved.”

The plan is meant to serve as a companion to a Senate proposal requiring schools report any dismissals of employees for inappropriate actions with students.

The court fees bill is currently awaiting action in the House Judiciary Committee.