AR SB71

Changes the ethics subcommittee's role from "receive and investigate" to "authorize the investigation" of ethics complaints.

Requires complaint forms to bear the original signature of the complainant and prohibits acceptance of complaints submitted via facsimile or with electronic signatures.

Reduces the time period for educators to respond to ethics complaints from 30 calendar days to 14 calendar days after receiving notice and documentation.

Reduces the time period for educators to request an evidentiary hearing from 30 days to 14 days after receiving notice of the initial determination.

Allows the Professional Licensure Standards Board to waive time limitations under certain circumstances including inclement weather, emergencies, or other unforeseeable events, and permits the staff and educator to mutually agree to waive any deadline.