Committee holds bill that would waive some teacher certification fees, allow automatic renewals

Senator Acosta introduced S-21 to modify teacher-certification rules by providing automatic renewal of current certificates (three- to five-year certificates), waiving initial certification fees, and allowing teachers with at least three years' certified experience to add certifications by exam or coursework.

Acosta described the changes as intended to ease recruitment and retention. He said the bill would "provide automatic renewal for all current teacher certifications" and that sponsors were considering removing references to the Praxis exam after discussions with RIDE. He noted his House co-sponsor, Rep. Gerardo, had experience as a district HR professional.

RIDE representative Andy Andrade told the committee the revenue affected goes to the state general fund, not to RIDE's budget. Andrade and the sponsor discussed fiscal figures: Andrade testified that for FY25, first issuances generated about $393,000 and renewals about $850,000, producing roughly $1.2 million total in fees deposited to the general fund. Andrade also said RIDE lacks authority to waive Praxis fees, which are charged by ETS, the test vendor.

Committee members raised operational questions about already-paid renewals and the administrative burden of refunding fees for those who have paid. Acosta and Andrade discussed that RIDE is undergoing a rules review of certification regulations, which is separate from the statutory change proposed.

After testimony and questions, the committee took a voice vote on a motion to hold S-21; the motion passed and the bill was held for further review.