§6–131.

    (a)    In this section, “Grant” means the Maryland Teacher Relocation Incentive Grant.

    (b)    (1)    There is a Maryland Teacher Relocation Incentive Grant.

        (2)    The purpose of the Grant is to provide up to $2,000 to incentivize an out–of–state licensed teacher to move to the State in order to:

            (i)    Address the State’s teacher workforce shortage; and

            (ii)    Reduce the number of conditionally licensed teachers in classrooms.

        (3)    The Department shall administer the Grant.

        (4)    Grants may not be awarded after June 30, 2029.

    (c)    (1)    (i)    A county board may submit a proposal to the Department to receive a grant for a candidate.

            (ii)    To be eligible for a grant, a candidate shall:

                1.    Have a signed contract to teach in a public school in the State;

                2.    Be recognized as a licensed teacher in a public kindergarten, elementary, middle, or high school in another state to provide instruction in a specific subject area, grade level, or for a specific student population;

                3.    Hold an unencumbered license that is not restricted, probationary, provisional, temporary, or in any way serves as a substitute for fully licensed teachers in another state; and

                4.    Agree to teach in a school that has received funding under § 5–223 of this article for at least 2 years after receiving the grant.

        (2)    An application shall include:

            (i)    A copy of the teacher’s license held by the candidate;

            (ii)    A copy of the signed contract between the candidate and the county board; and

            (iii)    Any other information required by the Department.

        (3)    The Department shall establish processes and procedures for accepting and evaluating applications.

        (4)    On or before October 1, 2025, the Department shall make initial grant awards.

    (d)    On or before December 30, 2029, the Department shall submit a report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the implementation of the grant awards, including the following information:

        (1)    The number of grant applications received;

        (2)    The number of grants awarded; and

        (3)    The number of out–of–state teachers recruited to the State after the implementation of the Grant.