Mississippi House Bill HB174

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Teacher licensure; revise disciplinary procedures relating to suspension or revocation of, and due process.

Impact

The proposed amendments create a system where teachers and administrators can appeal license suspensions or revocations to the state Board of Education, but also implement stringent measures against immoral or unethical behaviors that could affect licensure. Notably, the bill includes provisions allowing for the denial of licensure if an applicant's license has been revoked, suspended, or surrendered in another state, and it outlines specific grounds for the suspension or revocation of a license based on severe offenses.

Summary

House Bill 174 seeks to amend Section 37-3-2 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, addressing disciplinary procedures relating to teacher and administrator licensure. The bill grants the Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education, Certification, Licensure and Development the authority to impose reasonable fees for the application and renewal of teaching certificates. This change is aimed at streamlining the licensure process while ensuring that those charged with misconduct can be disciplined effectively.

Contention

Key areas of contention arise over the balance between maintaining standards in education and the potential for overreach in enforcement. Opponents of the bill may argue that stricter penalties for offenses—such as financial misconduct or ethical violations—could deter qualified individuals from entering the profession. Furthermore, the mechanisms for appeal may also be scrutinized for fairness and accessibility in the context of existing disparities in the education sector.