Committee hears change to when unlicensed educators may begin work — move tied to cleared background check

Senate Bill 802 would change the date when an applicant may be employed in a public school without a license. Under current law, the 90-day provisional employment period begins at the time an applicant submits a license application. SB 802 would instead make the 90-day period start after a person satisfies background-check requirements as determined by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). The measure includes an emergency clause and a stated effective date of July 1, 2025.