Committee backs bill giving teachers credit for relevant occupational experience; amendment sets timing for pay adjustment

Pierce presented Senate Bill 78, which would allow one year of credit toward advancement on a teacher’s salary schedule for every two years of full‑time relevant occupational experience in the educator’s content field. The presenter emphasized the bill does not change certification requirements or retirement service credit; it only affects placement on the salary schedule.

An amendment in committee would require any pay adjustment resulting from newly awarded years of experience to take effect at the beginning of the next or following school year rather than generating retroactive pay. Pierce said that amendment was requested by the school boards association to help districts plan for possible additional salary costs.

Members asked how the department would verify private‑sector experience and whether the change would create administrative workload. The presenter noted the bill requires a verification form developed by the State Department of Education to document relevant occupational experience. The clerk announced the committee adopted the amendment and, by roll call, reported the bill favorably as amended; the transcript records the result as 17 to 0 for the amendment and the final report.