The board eventually moved its workers out of the Department of Education Building.

Douglas sued, contending state state law gives her control over the board’s employees and where they work. A trial judge refused to rule, calling it a political matter; the case is now at the Court of Appeals.

The board later filed its own lawsuit after Douglas refused to give its investigators remote access to teacher files.

Dial said his legislation is designed to end all the litigation — and stop having taxpayers foot the bill for attorneys for both sides.

The measure, which now goes to the House, spells out that the Board of Education has the power to hire, fire and supervise its own employees. The board is composed of gubernatorial appointees, with Douglas also serving on the panel as a voting member.

It also makes clear that it is the board that sets policy.

Douglas argued that as the lone person elected by voters, she should have some role in that. But the legislation says that her role is to carry out board-elected policies.

Charles Tack, press aide to Douglas, sidestepped questions of whether Douglas, who contends the bill infringes on her constitutional authority, will sue if it becomes law.