The proposed bill establishes the "Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact," designed to streamline the licensure process for teachers moving between member states, particularly benefiting military spouses. It aims to enhance the exchange of licensure and disciplinary information, remove barriers to employment for out-of-state teachers, and maintain state sovereignty in regulating the teaching profession. The bill also creates the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact Commission, which will oversee the compact's implementation, establish rules, and manage financial operations. The commission will have the authority to investigate and impose disciplinary measures on teachers while ensuring the protection of their information.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to incorporate provisions related to the compact, including requirements for criminal history background checks and the certification process for education service providers. It mandates that no certification will be issued until a background check is completed and specifies that local school boards must be notified of any felony convictions related to certified individuals. The bill also clarifies that charter school teachers must meet the same certification requirements as public school teachers and sets the effective date for these changes as July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 7-19-106, 7-19-201, 21-2-403, 21-2-802, 21-2-906, 21-3-308, 21-7-303, 21-7-304, 21-7-401, 21-13-309, 25-12-101, 33-1-115