H.R. 5065: Preventing Sexual Abuse of K–12 Students Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Preventing Sexual Abuse of K–12 Students Act of 2025, aims to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to enhance protections for students from sexual abuse in schools. Key provisions of the bill include:

Training Requirements

The bill mandates that each state receiving federal education funds must:

• Develop Codes of Conduct: Each local educational agency (school district) needs to create and implement codes of conduct. These codes must clearly outline acceptable and unacceptable behavior for both school personnel towards students and among students themselves.
• Provide Training: School personnel must receive training on the established codes of conduct, reporting requirements for child abuse, Title IX regulations pertaining to the protection of students, and general awareness and prevention of sexual abuse.

Funding Allocation

The bill stipulates that an existing section of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act is amended to allow funds to be used specifically for:

• Sexual Abuse Awareness Training: Financial support for the implementation of sexual abuse awareness training is to be included in state funding assessments and local educational agency budgets.

Reporting and Accountability

Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Education is required to conduct a study and report to Congress regarding:

• The incidence of sexual abuse of K-12 students by both peers and school personnel.
• Recommendations for preventing such abuse and improving protections for students.

Effective Date

The provisions within this bill would take effect two years after its enactment.

Contextual Findings

Congress acknowledges the significant impact of child sexual abuse on victims, including mental health issues such as depression, low self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The bill is a response to findings indicating that a notable percentage of students have experienced sexual misconduct by school personnel and that many states lack adequate codes of conduct and training regarding sexual abuse prevention.

Overall Objective

The primary goal of the bill is to create a safer environment for students in elementary and secondary schools by establishing preventive measures against sexual abuse and ensuring that school personnel are adequately trained to recognize and act against such incidents.

Relevant Companies

None found.