Several bills are under consideration in the Maryland General Assembly. These aim to limit the privatization of educator jobs and prevent book bans in schools. The Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) is leading these legislative efforts. Senate Bill 1043, sponsored by Sen. Dawn Gile, aims to stop public schools from hiring subcontractors for staff positions without proper oversight and employee protections. This bill is also filed as House Bill 1175 by Del. Jessica Feldmark.
Senate Bill 545, sponsored by Sen. Sarah Elfreth, seeks to expand the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. This includes a salary premium for National Board Certified teachers. The bill, also filed as House Bill 789 by Del. Jessica Feldmark, would extend these salary increases to other job positions in low-performing schools. This is to help with recruitment and retention efforts.
The Senate will also consider a law to build on the Maryland Educator Shortage Reduction Act of 2023. This law, proposed in House Bill 75 by Del. Eric Ebersole and filed as Senate Bill 377 by Sen. Nancy King, would offer stipends to aspiring educators who start their studies at community college.