Bill Summary:

The act extends the renewal period for professional teacher, special services educator, principal, and administrator licenses from 5 to 7 years. The act allows for a professional teacher, special services educator, principal, or administrator who is partially through the current 5-year licensing cycle to have that extended to 7 years for that particular cycle.The act makes the following appropriations through adjustments to the long bill:The cash funds appropriation from the educator licensure cash fund made in the annual general appropriation act for the 2021-22 state fiscal year to the department of education for the office of professional services is decreased by $292,532, and the related FTE is decreased by 4.0 FTE. For the 2021-22 state fiscal year, $2,922,976 is appropriated to the department of education. This appropriation is from the general fund. To implement this act, the department may use this appropriation for the office of professional services. Any money appropriated not expended prior to July 1, 2022, is further appropriated to the department for the 2022-23 state fiscal year for the same purpose.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)  

CEA Position Rationale: CEA supports educational professionals driving their own development and professional learning, the last few years have seen a growing number of licensure requirements. This bill will allow educators more time to meet those requirements.

Tier: 1