This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 122A.21, subdivision 1, to prohibit the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board from charging a processing fee for applications for a lifetime qualified short-call or long-call substitute teaching license. Currently, applicants for various teaching licenses are required to pay a processing fee of $57, which is nonrefundable for those who do not qualify for a license. However, the bill specifies that this fee will not apply to lifetime substitute teaching license applicants, although they may still be required to pay for a background study as mandated by section 122A.18, subdivision 8.

Additionally, the bill includes an effective date, stating that the new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026. This change aims to reduce financial barriers for individuals seeking to obtain a lifetime substitute teaching license, thereby encouraging more educators to enter the substitute teaching workforce.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 122A.21