| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Education Committee | |
SB 6740
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Regarding the provision of teacher certification services.
Sponsors: Senators Regala, King, McAuliffe and Rasmussen.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 2/21/08
Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).
Background:
The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) establishes the fees for issuing or renewing
educator certificates. With some exceptions, fees are collected by the Educational Service
Districts (ESDs). In 2006-07, a total of $542,000 in fee revenue was collected. By law, fees can
be used only for professional preparation and development activities and program evaluation
according to rules adopted by the PESB. Currently the rules direct that the ESDs retain half of
the revenue they collect, and the remaining half is allocated to the Office of the Superintendent
of Public Instruction (OSPI).
One of the core functions of the ESDs is to provide personnel services such as certification and
registration services. In this capacity, the ESDs assist individuals seeking educator certification
by compiling necessary documents such as transcripts, applications, test scores, and fingerprints
and forwarding completed files to the OSPI, who issues the actual certificate. The ESD
certification officers also provide technical assistance and customer service for applicants. The
ESDs estimate that the cost of providing these services was $501,000 for 2006-07. About
$251,000 of the cost was recouped by a $20 processing fee for each certificate.
Summary of Bill:
In addition to other authorized uses, educator certification fees may be used for provision of
certification services by the ESDs, based on rules adopted by the PESB.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.