MD HB1254

County boards of education must submit justification to the State Department of Education before entering service contracts, including demonstration that alternatives were considered and cost calculations showing at least 20% savings over the contract duration (excluding savings from reduced employee pay or benefits)

County boards must submit a formal plan of assistance for employees adversely affected by service contracts, including efforts to place them in vacant positions, provisions for contractor hiring of displaced workers, and advance notification

Service contracts are subject to Department audits to verify compliance with projected cost savings, with audit findings made publicly available

The State Department of Education must design a new paid professional development system for paraeducators and education support professionals by July 1, 2027, covering topics including team collaboration, crisis de-escalation, safe physical restraint, and job-specific skills training

Each county board must provide at least 2 days of high-quality professional development annually to all paraeducators and education support professionals by June 30, 2028, with training occurring during paid weekday school hours