2007 House Bill 4591 / Public Act 144

Increase teacher certification fees

Introduced in the House

April 5, 2007

Introduced by Rep. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-22)

To increase the fees paid to the state by teachers, school psychologists, school counselors, and administrators for the “certification” without which an individual is not allowed to teach in a public school (with some exceptions.) Currently, certification fees range from $125 to $175, and most would increase by $35. Substitute teacher and various other mandated teachers permit fees would increase from $25 to $40. Also, to impose a fee on periodic state reviews that university teacher preparation programs must undergo. The fee would be $2,000 to $3,500, depending on the number of students in the program.

Referred to the Committee on Education

April 17, 2007

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

April 24, 2007

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-22)

To require that the Department of Education perform the $2,000 or $3,500 periodic reviews of teacher preparation programs no more frequently than every five years, unless the content standards for a particulr specialty program are revised, in which case that program could be reviewed before the five-year review.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 61 to 47 (details)

Received in the Senate

April 25, 2007

Referred to the Committee on Education

Aug. 8, 2007

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill be referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations

Oct. 16, 2007

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Oct. 17, 2007

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Nov. 1, 2007

Passed in the Senate 29 to 7 (details)

To increase the fees paid to the state by teachers, school psychologists, school counselors, and administrators for the “certification” without which an individual is not allowed to teach in a public school (with some exceptions.) Currently, certification fees range from $125 to $175, and most would increase by $35. Substitute teacher and various other mandated teachers permit fees would increase from $25 to $40. Also, to impose a fee on periodic state reviews that university teacher preparation programs must undergo. The fee would be $2,000 to $3,500, depending on the number of students in the program.

Received in the House

Nov. 6, 2007

Nov. 8, 2007

Passed in the House 58 to 47 (details)

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Nov. 19, 2007