MSDE legislative staff summarizes bills passed at sine die affecting educator certification and pre-K

Legislative staff briefed the committee on the close of the General Assembly (sine die) and the disposition of education-related legislation.

Mister Hans said about 90 bills tracked by MSDE passed; he highlighted departmental Bill HB 88 / SB 266 (immediate vesting of the State Superintendent), which the Governor signed, and SB 771 / HB 945, which establishes additional pathways for initial teacher certification. He also referenced HB 1426 (AIB blueprint corrective bill) and HB 1441 (a comprehensive pre-K bill that creates a career ladder for early childhood educators and requires MSDE to establish pre-K provider hubs). Hans said MSDE will present deeper analysis of budget-related actions (including BRFA items) at April and May meetings and will update the committee on any regulatory actions required by the legislation.

Committee members thanked legislative staff and MSDE’s legislative work group for their efforts during the session. MSDE staff emphasized that no curricular mandates passed and that more detail will follow as final bill text and budget actions are posted.