STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
House Bill 685, sponsored by Rep. Steve Riley of Glasgow, has passed the Kentucky House of Representatives with unanimous support.
Lawmakers approved the measure on a 98-0 vote, according to legislative information provided with the bill.
As previously reported by Glasgow News 1, the legislation is aimed at strengthening policies and resources related to teacher recruitment statewide by helping certified educators whose teaching certification has lapsed, often for reasons beyond their control, according to the release.
“There are many reasons an educator’s certification might lapse, such as for those who are returning to the classroom from temporary medical retirement. Many of these teachers are turned away for certification by the graduate hour coursework requirement, something that is costly and time-intensive,” Riley said. “This measure would give those teachers the opportunity to return to the classroom with a one-time certification with the support of their district superintendent, ensuring the quality and dedication of these educators returns to the classroom.”
Under current rules, teachers whose certification has expired generally must complete six hours of graduate coursework to renew.
House Bill 685 would allow the Education Professional Standards Board, which issues and renews certifications for Kentucky teachers and administrators, to offer a new option. Under the bill, the board could issue a one-time, five-year teaching certificate to educators whose certification has expired, without requiring the six graduate hours normally needed for renewal.
For the board to consider this alternate certificate, the superintendent of the teacher’s district would need to submit a waiver exempting the individual from the coursework requirement.
Riley said the goal is to give both teachers and school districts more flexibility while maintaining standards. He said the bill would allow educators with experience and a proven commitment to return to the classroom, while giving districts another tool to address staffing needs.
The legislation also codifies existing regulations that govern the process for renewing certifications more generally.
The House approved the measure along with House Committee Substitute 1. That addition would enter Kentucky into the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact. Joining the compact would recognize school psychologist licenses from other participating states and allow those professionals to practice in Kentucky without seeking additional licensure here, aiming to expand mental health support options in schools.
The bill is currently in the Senate Committee on Committees.
Key Facts
• Kentucky House passes House Bill 685 by a 98-0 vote
• Bill is sponsored by Rep. Steve Riley of Glasgow
• Creates a one-time, five-year certification option for teachers with lapsed licenses
• Waiver would remove six graduate-hour coursework requirement with superintendent support
• Education Professional Standards Board would oversee alternate certification
• Committee substitute puts Kentucky into School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact
• Compact would allow licensed school psychologists from other states in the compact to practice in Kentucky
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