Bill

HB 2039

85(R) - 2017
House Public Education
Senate Education
House Public Education
Senate Education

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Dan Huberty

Co-Author(s)

Linda Koop

Sponsor(s)

Judith Zaffirini

Bill Caption

Relating to creating an early childhood certification to teach students in prekindergarten through grade three.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

This bill creates a new licensing system for early childhood education. Under this bill, teachers would be able to train and receive a certificate in early childhood education. The stated purpose would be to offer a certificate focused specifically on prekindergarten through third grade. This certificate would not be mandated for teaching those grades under the provisions of this legislation.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill creates a new licensing system for early education, ultimately expanding government even though it would be voluntary for the time being. It is easily foreseeable that in the future this certificate will be made mandatory either at the school district level or at the state level, increasing the licensure burden to become a teacher for pre-k through third grade. While the underlying bill itself does not expressly offend our liberty principles we view it with deep reservations as a gateway to further licensure which we would oppose if proposed.