AB 2219 Summary

• Amends Education Code Sections 44943 and 44944 to clarify procedures for dismissal and suspension hearings of school district employees before a Commission on Professional Competence

• Requires hearings to commence within 60 calendar days of an employee's demand for a hearing, with discovery rights expanded to match civil litigation standards in superior court

• Specifies that when the Commission determines an employee should be dismissed or suspended, the governing board and employee shall share hearing expenses equally; when the employee prevails, the governing board pays all expenses including the employee's attorney's fees

• Establishes procedures for commission membership (one member selected by employee, one by governing board, one administrative law judge as chairperson) and qualifications requiring valid credentials and five years of experience

• Removes state-mandated local program language and reimbursement procedures related to hearing cost allocation