(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) (i) “Military spouse” means the spouse of a service member or veteran.
(ii) “Military spouse” includes a surviving spouse of:
1. A veteran; or
2. A service member who died within 1 year before the date on which the application for an educator certificate is submitted.
(3) “Service member” means an individual who is an active duty member of:
(i) The armed forces of the United States;
(ii) A reserve component of the armed forces of the United States; or
(iii) The National Guard of any state.
(4) (i) “Veteran” means a former service member who was discharged from active duty under circumstances other than dishonorable within 1 year before the date on which the application for an educator certificate is submitted.
(ii) “Veteran” does not include an individual who has completed active duty and has been discharged for more than 1 year before the application for an educator certificate is submitted.
(b) The State Superintendent shall expedite educator certification for a service member, veteran, or military spouse.
(c) To qualify for expedited educator certification under this section, a service member, veteran, or military spouse shall:
(1) Submit an application for educator certification;
(2) Hold a valid educator license or certificate in good standing issued in another state;
(3) Meet the applicable qualifications for certification in COMAR 13A.12.01.04 and .05; and
(4) Pay the applicable certification 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 certificate to a service member, veteran, or military 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 certification in this State.
(2) A temporary educator certificate issued under this subsection authorizes the service member, veteran, or military spouse, for a limited period of time, as determined by the State Superintendent, to be employed as an educator in the State while the service member, veteran, or military spouse completes additional requirements for certification in this State.
(e) The Department shall publish prominently on its website the process for obtaining expedited educator certification under this section.
(f) The State Board may adopt regulations to carry out this section.