1. (1) As used in this section, "substitute teacher" means a licensed or non-licensed individual who is employed by a school district to fill in for a regular classroom teacher during the teacher's temporary absence from the classroom.
2. (2) When hiring substitute teachers, school districts shall prioritize licensed educators as substitutes when available.
3. (3) An individual shall submit to a background check in accordance with Section 53G-11-402 prior to employment as a substitute teacher.

4. (4) An individual may not serve as a substitute teacher if:

   1. (a) the individual is ineligible to hold a license under Section 53E-6-603; or
   2. (b) the individual's license has been suspended or revoked and the restrictions described in Section 53E-6-604.5 apply to the individual.

Amended by Chapter 216, 2026 General Session