Assembly Bill 620 mandates that, starting July 1, 2027, 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 from an accredited institution, they are not required to be licensed by 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 amends various sections of the statutes to reflect these changes, including the addition of new provisions 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 will be valid until July 1, 2032, and requires the department to establish rules for the waiver application process.

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