04/23/1997 05:35 PM Senate FIN

                                                                               
       SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 145(FIN)                            
                                                                               
       "An  Act  relating to  certification  of teachers;  and                 
  providing      for an effective date."                                       
                                                                               
  Senator  Pearce moved  the work  draft version  of SCS  CSHB
(FIN) for discussion purposes.  She explained the changes                 
  incorporated  into  the  work  draft.     She  said  teacher                 
  certifications would be  paid for by teachers same  as other                 
                                                                               
                                                                               
  licenses  and  certifications.    There  would be  no  title                 
  change.  Senator Adams said the change of fees would need an                 
  updated fiscal note.  Senator  Pearce responded and said  it                 
  would not change the budget.                                                 
                                                                               
  Representative Con Bunde was invited  to join the committee.                 
  He was available to  answer any questions by  the committee.                 
  Senator   Pearce  acknowledged   the   uniqueness  of   this                 
  situation.  She re-iterated that teachers should pay for the                 
  whole cost of their  certification the same as others.   She                 
  said  there would  be no  new general  funds nor  positions.                 
  Senator Phillips asked if this bill would test all teachers.                 
  Representative Bunde said only new teachers would be tested.                 
  In response to a  question by Senator Phillips he  said that                 
  it was  a basic screen test.  It  has been proven that there                 
  were  college  graduates not  literate.   Other  states have                 
  screened  out incompetent  applicants  using the  procedure.                 
  This test was a basic literacy and competency test.                          
                                                                               
  Senator Adams asked how bilingual teachers would be affected                 
  and Representative Bunde said they would be required to pass                 
  not only the basic screen test but also a bilingual exam.                    
                                                                               
  Senator Pearce suggested the committee  adopt a title change                 
  but Senator Adams  objected.  He said he  would like a legal                 
  opinion on  the matter.   Senator Pearce removed  her motion                 
  and said she would  have legal services draft  a new CS  for                 
  tomorrow.                                                                    
                                                                               
  Co-chair  Sharp  concurred  and held  SCS  CSHB  145(FIN) in                 
  committee  pending receipt  of  a  new  draft.   He  further                 
  reviewed the calendar for tomorrow.   Senator Torgerson said                 
  his draft for SB 21 would also be ready for tomorrow.                        
                                                                               
                                                                               
  ADJOURNMENT                                                                  
                                                                               
  Co-chair Sharp adjourned  the committee  at 8:00 p.m.  until                 
  tomorrow.