Senate Bill 604 aims to amend existing laws regarding teacher and administrator licensure in private schools participating in parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship Program in Wisconsin. Starting July 1, 2027, the bill mandates that all teachers and administrators in these schools must hold a license or permit issued by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Currently, while teachers must have at least a bachelor's degree, they are not required to be licensed by the DPI. 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 introduces several amendments to existing statutes, including the creation of new sections that outline the requirements for licensure and the process for obtaining waivers. Notably, it specifies that private schools are not obligated to employ only licensed teachers until the new requirements take effect. Additionally, the bill clarifies that teachers and administrators who have been employed for a significant period may apply for waivers, which must include a plan for obtaining the necessary licensure. The legislation reflects a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for private education in Wisconsin, emphasizing the importance of licensure for educational professionals in these programs.

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