Senate adopts compromise amendment to shorten teacher termination process; SB146 moves to third reading

Senator Hilliard, sponsor of Senate Bill 146, moved to uncircle the bill and introduced Amendment 17, which he described as a compromise worked out among teachers, superintendents and other stakeholders. "First of all, it reduces the total time for orderly termination from 90 to 60 days," Hilliard said, summarizing the principal change.

Hilliard told the Senate the amendment also creates a three‑year provisional standard for new teachers to become career employees, adds a remedial process for transfers within districts, grants the Board of Education subpoena power and authority to administer oaths during investigations, and permits districts to suspend an employee without pay when allegations may lead to termination. He described the language as intended to streamline process while protecting due process rights.

Supporters said the amendment reflected compromise language requested by affected parties and would make the bill more precise. No opposition to the amendment was announced on the floor; the body approved placing Amendment 17 on the bill and the motion carried unanimously. After debate concluded, the presiding officer called the roll and announced Senate Bill 146 had received 22 yea votes, 0 nay votes, and 7 absent and would be placed on the third‑reading calendar.

The sponsor said he would be available to colleagues with questions before third reading and indicated that some members might request additional time to review the amendments. The Senate moved on to other business.