In response to a very difficult situation involving a teacher in her district, Rep. Tracy Marra proposed education reform legislation that will protect school children by modifying what information is included in the mandated disclosure of a former employer to a hiring school district, and by requiring disclosure of any open or pending investigation of abuse or neglect or sexual misconduct of potential employees.

During the Wednesday public hearing before the Education Committee, Rep. Marra delivered emotional testimony before discussing the measure's implications and statewide reach with several members of the Committee, including Rep. Haines whose daughters were taught by the accused when he previously worked in a different town.

The measure has tremendous support in Darien and the surrounding community, and statewide, and is expected to move swiftly through the committee process and be called for a vote in the House of Representatives.

In his public testimony on the bill, Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Eric Byrne said H.B. 5327 "is an essential step toward ensuring that future employing school districts have critical information made available to them about an applicant’s background as they decide whom to entrust with the care of our students."

You can read the full text of the proposed bill at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/TOB/H/PDF/2026HB-05327-R00-HB.PDF

WATCH Rep. Marra's FULL testimony and the discussion by clicking below.