Whereas, rules adopted by the Department of Education relating to requirements for specific certificates and endorsements for teachers are scheduled to become effective August 1, 2005; and

Whereas, this legislation exempts from application of the new requirements theater teachers who are currently employed on the effective date of this Act; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. Exemption from application of certification requirements. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who is employed as a theater teacher on the effective date of this Act is not required to meet additional eligibility requirements or obtain certificates or endorsements required by rules adopted by the State Board of Education on April 14, 2004, Chapter 115: Certification, Authorization and Approval of Education Personnel.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

The purpose of this bill is to exempt theater teachers who are currently employed from additional requirements imposed by rules adopted by the State Board of Education on April 14, 2004, Chapter 115: Certification, Authorization and Approval of Education Personnel.