MD HB856

State Department of Education must register all local school systems as associate members of a national organization that tracks professional discipline actions against educators across all 50 states, DC, Department of Defense schools, and Guam

Department of Education will pay all fees and dues for the national membership organization providing access to the Educator Identification Clearinghouse

Local school systems must use the Educator Identification Clearinghouse to screen all individuals receiving job offers for licensed educator positions on or after August 1, 2026

Job candidates must apply for the appropriate teaching license after receiving an employment offer but before starting work, and must obtain the license before the start of employment

Act takes effect July 1, 2026 and does not affect existing requirements under § 6-113 of the Education Article