MS HB24

Clarifies grounds for denying teacher and administrator licenses, including revocation or suspension of licenses in other states, felony convictions, sex offense convictions, and probation status for felony or sex offenses.

Establishes that a "guilty plea" includes pleas of guilty, nolo contendere, pretrial diversion, or judicial diversion for purposes of license denial and suspension related to felonies and sex offenses.

Creates an Office of Educator Misconduct Evaluations within the State Department of Education to assist the Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education in responding to infractions, conducting hearings, and enforcing ethics violations.

Modifies reinstatement procedures to allow automatic reinstatement or approval for reinstatement hearings for suspended licenses, while requiring hearings for those whose licenses expire during investigation by the Office of Educator Misconduct.

Effective July 1, 2013.