MD SB648

Maryland 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

The Department must pay all membership fees and dues for local school systems to access the Educator Identification Clearinghouse

Local school systems must use the Clearinghouse to screen all individuals receiving employment offers for licensed educator positions on or after October 1, 2026

Individuals offered educator positions must apply for the appropriate license after receiving the offer but before starting employment, and must obtain the license before any interaction with children

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