§6–101.1.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    (i)    “Eligible spouse” means the spouse of an active service member or eligible veteran.

            (ii)    “Eligible spouse” includes a surviving spouse of:

                1.    An eligible veteran; or

                2.    An active service member who died within 1 year before the date on which the application for an educator license is submitted.

        (3)    (i)    “Eligible veteran” means a veteran who was discharged from active duty within 1 year before the date on which the application for an educator license is submitted.

            (ii)    “Eligible veteran” does not include a veteran who has been discharged from active duty for more than 1 year before the application for an educator license is submitted.

    (b)    The State Superintendent shall expedite educator licensure for an active service member, eligible veteran, or eligible spouse.

    (c)    To qualify for expedited educator licensure under this section, an active service member, eligible veteran, or eligible spouse shall:

        (1)    Submit an application for educator licensure;

        (2)    Hold a valid educator license or certificate in good standing issued in another state;

        (3)    Meet the applicable qualifications for licensure in COMAR 13A.12.01.04 and .05; and

        (4)    Pay the applicable licensure fee.

    (d)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State Superintendent, at the request of a local school system, may issue a temporary educator license to an active service member, eligible veteran, or eligible spouse who holds a valid educator certificate or license in good standing issued in another state but who does not meet the qualifications for educator licensure in this State.

        (2)    A temporary educator license issued under this subsection authorizes the active service member, eligible veteran, or eligible spouse, for a limited period of time, as determined by the State Superintendent, to be employed as an educator in the State while the active service member, eligible veteran, or eligible spouse completes additional requirements for licensure in this State.

    (e)    The Department shall publish prominently on its website the process for obtaining expedited educator licensure under this section.

    (f)    The State Board may adopt regulations to carry out this section.