Sec. 19.8. (a) An individual described in section 19.7(b) of this chapter who cannot comply with the requirements of section 19.7 of this chapter may apply for a waiver from the department in a form and manner prescribed by the department.

     (b) Subject to subsection (d), if the department determines that an individual described in subsection (a) cannot comply with the requirements of section 19.7 of this chapter, the department may grant the individual a waiver that provides an exception to the requirements.

     (c) The department may grant a waiver under this section to an individual that:

(1) is not more than one (1) year; and

(2) does not extend beyond July 1, 2028.

However the department may extend the waiver described in this subsection if the department determines a hardship exists for the individual in meeting the requirements under section 19.7 of this chapter.

     (d) Before the department may grant a waiver under this section, the department shall submit a report not later than December 1, 2026, to the legislative council in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6 that contains the following information:

(1) The progress made by the department toward the requirements in section 19.7 of this chapter.

(2) The progress made by the department toward the goal of student literacy in Indiana.

(3) Barriers and challenges that remain for all individuals described in section 19.7(b) of this chapter to achieving the requirements of section 19.7 of this chapter.

(4) The reasons the department’s waiver authority under this section is necessary.

(5) Any other recommendations the department may have for educators, communities, parents, schools, teacher preparation programs, and the general assembly for achieving:

(A) full compliance with the requirements of section 19.7 of this chapter; and

(B) student literacy goals of the state.

As added by P.L.5-2024, SEC.6.