The bill amends the existing laws regarding the certification of teachers in Rhode Island, specifically in Sections 16-11-2.3 and 16-11-3. Key changes include the provision that individuals who obtained an initial certificate before January 8, 2002, will not be barred from certification based on their scores on standardized examinations, provided they complete an assessment set by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). Additionally, effective July 1, 2025, all currently certified teachers will have their certifications automatically extended for three or five years without any fees or penalties. The bill also waives application fees for initial teacher certification and Praxis examination fees for a three-year period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028.

Furthermore, the bill allows the Rhode Island Department of Education to issue certificates without examination to qualified individuals and enables teachers with at least three years of certified experience to acquire additional certifications through examination or coursework. It mandates the department to review and revise its rules governing teacher and administrator licensure to create multiple pathways for certification, including credit for non-traditional classes and work/life experience. The act is set to take effect upon passage.