It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 16-11.2 of the General Laws entitled "Qualifications of Teacher Assistants" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

16-11.2-6. Teacher assistant substitutes. -- Any teacher assistant hired after July 1, 2002 who substitutes as a teacher assistant for more than twenty (20) days during any school year shall be required to meet the general qualifications of teacher assistant as provided in section 16-11.2-2.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.