Maryland education officials outline bills passed this session and plans to realign regulations

MSDE legislative staff summarized the results of the recently concluded legislative session and the Department’s next steps for implementing education-related laws.

The update covered multiple measures affecting educator preparation, licensure and workforce programs. MSDE reported that a Higher Education Teacher Retention and Development Program bill passed both chambers and will proceed for the governor’s consideration. Senate Bill 143, which allows rehiring retirees for central-office or other non-classroom positions, was reported as already sent to the governor and signed. Other bills — including changes to initial teacher certification — also passed and will require MSDE and the Professional Standards Board (PSB) to align regulations with the new statutory language.

MSDE noted that some bills passed with important modifications. A Grow Your Own educators program was enacted but language that would have directed the governor to appropriate $5,000,000 in the budget was removed; the statute authorizes the program but does not guarantee a dedicated funding allocation. MSDE said collaboratives may apply for other federal or state funding and the Department will provide technical assistance.

Several other measures did not advance: a teacher degree apprenticeship bill passed the Senate but did not cross over, and an interstate teacher mobility compact did not meet the crossover deadline. MSDE also highlighted HB 1386 (anti-bias training guidance), which was amended to require the Department to develop guidelines for an anti-bias training program for school employees; the law specifies content elements but does not set a deadline for issuing the guidance.

Why it matters: multiple enactments will change statutory expectations for educator preparation and licensure. MSDE told the board it will prioritize regulatory realignment so that regulations and statutes are consistent, and staff warned the process can take roughly a hundred days from board approval to final publication once a regulation is posted for comment. The PSB and the State Board of Education will consult as required by statute when draft regulations implement Blueprint provisions. The Department said it will present draft regulatory language to the PSB in May where possible and seek the board’s vote to shorten the gap between statute and regulation.