1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to the alternative certification requirements for certain
 1-3     public school teachers.
 1-4           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-5           SECTION 1.  Section 21.049, Education Code, is amended to
 1-6     read as follows:
 1-7           Sec. 21.049.  ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION.  (a)  To provide a
 1-8     continuing additional source of qualified educators, the board
 1-9     shall propose rules providing for educator certification programs
1-10     as an alternative to traditional educator preparation programs.
1-11     The rules may not provide that a person may be certified under this
1-12     section only if there is a demonstrated shortage of educators in a
1-13     school district or subject area.
1-14           (b)  The board may not require a person employed as a teacher
1-15     in an alternative education program under Section 37.008 or a
1-16     juvenile justice alternative education program under Section 37.011
1-17     for at least three years to complete an alternative educator
1-18     certification program adopted under this section before taking the
1-19     appropriate certification examination.
1-20           SECTION 2.  (a)  This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.
1-21           (b)  For purposes of Subsection (b), Section 21.049,
1-22     Education Code, as added by this Act, a person's employment as a
1-23     teacher in an alternative education program or juvenile justice
1-24     alternative education program before the 2001-2002 school year is
1-25     not included in determining whether the person meets the
 2-1     requirements of that section.
         _______________________________     _______________________________
             President of the Senate              Speaker of the House
               I hereby certify that S.B. No. 998 passed the Senate on
         April 26, 2001, by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0, one
         present, not voting.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Secretary of the Senate
               I hereby certify that S.B. No. 998 passed the House on
         May 23, 2001, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                Chief Clerk of the House
         Approved:
         _______________________________
                      Date
         _______________________________
                    Governor