Senate Bill 604 mandates that, starting July 1, 2027, all teachers and administrators at private schools participating in parental choice programs or the Special Needs Scholarship Program must hold a license or permit issued by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Currently, while these educators must have at least a bachelor's degree, they are not required to be licensed. The bill includes exceptions for teachers of rabbinical studies and provides a grace period for those who have been employed for at least five consecutive years prior to the deadline, allowing them to apply for a temporary, nonrenewable waiver from the licensure requirement.

The bill also amends various sections of the statutes to reflect these changes, including the introduction of new provisions that specify the licensure requirements for teachers and administrators in these private schools. Notably, it creates a framework for the waiver application process and stipulates that no waiver will be valid after July 1, 2032. Additionally, the bill clarifies that private schools are not obligated to employ only licensed teachers until the new requirements take effect, and it outlines the necessary qualifications for educators in both technical and vocational education.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 115.28(7)(b), 115.28, 118.19(1), 118.19, 118.19(1b), 118.19(1c)(b)(intro.), 118.19(3)(a), 118.19(3)(b), 118.19(10)(b)1, 118.191(2)(a), 118.191, 118.191(2)(b), 118.191(2m), 118.191(3), 118.191(4), 118.192(4), 118.192, 118.60(2)(a)6.a, 118.60, 118.60(2)(a)6.b, 119.23(2)(a)6.a, 119.23