House Bill 578 Summary

• Clarifies Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education, Certification and Licensure membership to include 15 members appointed from four congressional districts, with three members appointed at-large at the State Board of Education's discretion.

• Establishes grounds for denying educator license applications or immediately revoking licenses, including sex offense convictions, probation/post-release supervision for sex offenses, sexual involvement with students, and failure to report sexual involvement as required by law.

• Authorizes the State Board of Education to place educators on probation for specified periods based on offense severity, with failure to complete probation requirements resulting in one-year license suspension.

• Clarifies appeal procedures allowing appeals to the State Board of Education within ten days, with decisions upheld on appeal if supported by substantial evidence, not arbitrary or capricious, and within commission authority.

• Revises reinstatement procedures for suspended or revoked licenses, requiring petitions after one year or half the suspension period (whichever is greater) and satisfactory evidence of rehabilitation and fitness.