The bill amends sections of the General Laws related to the certification of teachers in Rhode Island. It establishes that individuals cannot be denied certification based solely on their scores from standardized teacher examinations, provided they successfully complete an assessment set by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). Effective July 1, 2026, all currently certified teachers will have their certifications automatically extended for three (3) or five (5) years without any fees or penalties. During the period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029, RIDE will waive all fees for initial teacher certification applications and Praxis examination fees to encourage teacher recruitment.

Additionally, the bill allows RIDE to issue certificates without examination to qualified individuals and enables teachers with at least three (3) years of certified experience to acquire additional certifications through examination or content coursework. It also directs RIDE to review and revise its rules and regulations governing the licensure of teachers and administrators to create multiple pathways for certification. This includes recognizing non-traditional education and work experience as valid credentials. The act will take effect upon passage.