Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes disciplinary hearing procedures for public school employees.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a county board via recommendation of the county superintendent to suspend or dismiss a teacher, principal, supervisor, assistant superintendent or other professional assistant for the following (Sec. 1):

• Immorality;

• Misconduct in office, including knowingly failing to report suspected child abuse;

• Insubordination or incompetency; and

• Willful neglect or duty.

• Requires the county board to send the individual a copy of the charges against them and give the individual 10 days to request a hearing before the county board or a hearing before an arbitrator (Sec. 1).

• Specifies if the individual’s request does not specify that the hearing be before an arbitrator, the request shall be considered a request for a hearing before the county board (Sec. 1).

• Specifies if the individual chooses a hearing by an arbitrator, the arbitrator must be agreed upon by both the individual and the superintendent (Sec. 1).

• Requires the county board to pay the full cost and expense of the arbitration such as (Sec. 1):

• American Arbitration Association Administrative fees;

• Cost of stenography and transcription services;

• Travel fees;

• Fees and expenses incurred or charged by the arbitrator; and

• Expenses associated with any witness or evidence produced at the request of the arbitrator.

• Requires the superintendent and the individual to pay their own respective costs associated with any witness or evidence produced by them (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that in the situation where the county board and the arbitrator have sufficient cause to suspend or dismiss the individual, then the individual shal pay 50% of the fees and expenses incurred or charged by the arbitrato and the administrative fees (if any) of the American Arbitration Association (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vetoed by Governor Larry Hogan, Jr.