SENATE BILL 97

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

William F. Burt and David E. Adkins

FOR THE MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE AND

THE LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE

AN ACT

RELATING TO EDUCATION; PROVIDING FOR EXPEDITED TEACHER LICENSURE FOR MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS, SPOUSES OF MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. A new section of the School Personnel Act is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] EXPEDITED LICENSURE--MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS AND SPOUSES--VETERANS.--

          A. The department shall, as soon as practicable after a military service member, the spouse of a military service member or a veteran with a valid and current or an expired license from another jurisdiction files an application for a license:

                (1) process the application; and

                (2) issue a license to a qualified applicant who submits satisfactory evidence that demonstrates the required competencies and meets other requirements and qualifications for the license for which the teacher applies, including clearance of the required background check. The local superintendent may require a mentorship period for the licensee if the local superintendent deems it necessary. A teacher who holds an out-of-state license may apply for a lower level license if the teacher does not meet the requirements for the higher level.

          B. A license issued pursuant to this section shall not be renewed unless the license holder satisfies the requirements for the issuance and the renewal of the license for which the teacher applies. Upon the issuance of a license pursuant to this section, the department shall notify the license holder of the requirements for renewing the license in writing.

          C. A license issued pursuant to this section to an applicant with an expired license shall not be valid for more than one year.

          D. As used in this section:

                (1) "military service member" means a person who is serving in the armed forces of the United States or in an active reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the national guard; and

                (2) "veteran" means a person who has received an honorable discharge or separation from military service in the armed forces of the United States or in an active reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the national guard."

     SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2018.

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