The bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by eliminating all fees associated with teacher licensure, certification, and the registration of continuing education credit hours. Specifically, it introduces new language that mandates the West Virginia Department of Education to remove these fees by January 30, 2026. This change is intended to alleviate the financial burden on teachers seeking licensure and certification, thereby encouraging professional development and retention in the education sector.

In addition to the removal of fees, the bill maintains provisions for the reimbursement of tuition and other required fees for teachers pursuing certification renewal or additional endorsements in shortage areas. The West Virginia Department of Education is tasked with administering these reimbursements, ensuring that eligible teachers can access funding for their educational advancement without the hindrance of associated costs. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance support for educators in West Virginia by making licensure and certification more accessible.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-3-3a