RICHMOND (AP) -- Virginia has passed a law to ensure that teachers who sexually abuse children aren't allowed to return to the classroom to repeat their crimes.

The law, which takes effect July 1, will require that courts promptly notify local school divisions when teachers are convicted of felony sexual offenses involving child victims or felony drug crimes. Among other requirements, school boards must inform the state after teachers are terminated as a result of such violations.

The legislation follows a national investigation by The Associated Press of licensure revocations from 2000-05. In Virginia, a teacher was able to molest children in several school districts because of time lags between the abuse and when he was disciplined.

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