Senator Bob Margett (R-Glendora) is definitely setting a lasting legacy in the area of public education. 

Margett's bill SB 1105 passed in the State Senate, which closes the loophole that allows teachers who plead no contest to specified sex and drug offenses to continue teaching in the classroom.

This is what Senator Margett's office sent over for observations on the subject:

Under the current teacher credentialing law, if a person is found guilty of a misdemeanor sex offense, they immediately lose their teaching credential effectively barring them from teaching.  However, if there is a plea of no contest, then all credentials held by a person are suspended until a final decision by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing is made.

"You should not be able to plead no contest to a sex offense just so you can continue teaching,"  said Senator Margett.  "If you are innocent, you plead innocent, and you show the court why youare innocent.  It is inexcusable to be able to exploit a loophole and jeopardize our children so one can continue teaching."

Senator Margett went on to criticize the California Teachers Association and the American Civil Liberties Union who both opposed the measure and lobbied against it in numerous committees.  "Why a group who represents teachers would want a sex offender teaching in the classroom is beyond me,"  Senator Margett stated.  "The ACLU is one thing, but for a teachers union to oppose a measure designed to make our schools safer is just plain baffling." 

However, Senator Margett praised his colleagues for seeing the true merits of the bill by adding,  "In an era of constant partianship and bickering, it is inspiring to see my colleagues join together to vote for a measure which ensures all holders of teaching credentials charged with sex or controlled substance offenses are dealt with appropriately."

The Governor has until September 30th to act on the measure.

Senator Margett should be thanked for his leadership in protecting our children here in California.  What a way for a term-lmited legislator to end his/her tenure.  Thanks, Senator Margett!