AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 5, relative to teacher training.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 5, Part 56, is amended by adding a new section thereto, as follows:

Section 49-5-5609. It is the legislative intent to encourage Tennessee teachers to seek voluntary national certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The Commissioner of Education shall provide reimbursement to no more than twenty-five (25) teachers to cover the evaluation fees. In order to be eligible for reimbursement, teachers must apply to the commissioner for state funding and have completed the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards evaluation. The commissioner shall report to the State Board of Education regarding the number of Tennessee candidates and the number attaining certification.

SECTION 2. The provisions of this act shall not be construed to be an appropriation of funds and no funds shall be obligated or expended pursuant to this act unless such funds are specifically appropriated by the General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.

PASSED: April 23, 1998

Pursuant to Article III, Section 18, of the Constitution of the State of Tennessee, the Governor had House Bill No. 1550 in his possession longer than ten (10) days, so therefore the bill becomes law without the Governor's signature.