S.B. 973 Summary

• Requires the Department of Education to pay a salary differential to educators who provide direct services to English language learners and hold a valid license to teach English as a second language or meet equivalent department-determined requirements.

• Establishes that the specific amount of the pay differential shall be determined and included in the bill (amount left blank in draft).

• Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to pay the English language learner educator differentials (specific amount left blank in draft).

• Conditions release of appropriated funds on execution of a memorandum of understanding between the superintendent of education and the exclusive representative of collective bargaining unit (5).

• Takes effect on July 1, 2025.