LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE 75th Regular Session May 12, 1997 TO: Honorable Teel Bivins, Chair IN RE: House Bill No. 623, As Engrossed Committee on Education By: Hernandez Senate Austin, Texas FROM: John Keel, Director In response to your request for a Fiscal Note on HB623 ( Relating to certification of public school educators.) this office has detemined the following: Biennial Net Impact to General Revenue Funds by HB623-As Engrossed No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The fiscal implications to units of local government are described below. Bill Summary The bill relates to certification of public school educators. It would amend Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, by adding section 21.056. Subsection (a) of this bill would require additional certification of certified teachers that teach at a grade level or subject areas other than those covered by the teacher's original certificate. Additional certification is contingent upon two factors: satisfactory performance on any examinations set by the state board concerning teaching the additional grade level or subject areas; and completion of a one-year internship under the supervision of an experienced certified educator in that grade level or subject areas. Subsection (b) would exempt a secondary level educator that holds a secondary certificate from the internship requirement if that educator is seeking to teach in an additional secondary level subject area. Administrative Costs to Local Government No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Certified educators that seek to teach at a different grade level or in different subject areas could incur personal costs, however. According to the Texas Education Agency, teachers applying for additional certification would bear the costs of additional testing. The State Board for Educator Certification estimates that the cost of a single test is approximately $75, although costs may vary by region, grade level, and subject area. Source: Agencies: 701 Texas Education Agency - Administration SBE State Board for Educator Certification LBB Staff: JK ,LP ,DH ,GJ