Relating to: a lifetime license that authorizes an individual to teach an American Indian language in an American Indian language program and modifying rules promulgated by the Department of Public Instruction. (FE)

SB 87 creates a process where federally recognized American Indian tribes in Wisconsin can review applicants for lifetime teaching licenses in their specific American Indian language programs. If a tribe opts in by notifying the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) in writing, DPI must inform the tribe when an applicant applies, and the tribe then decides whether to endorse the applicant for a lifetime license or recommend a lower-tier license renewal. The bill modifies existing law so DPI can only issue these specific lifetime licenses if the associated tribe provides written endorsement of the applicant's language proficiency. This directly affects tribes, applicants seeking these licenses, and DPI in administering the licensing process for American Indian language educators.