This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes governing charter schools in Arizona. Key changes include the clarification of terms and responsibilities, such as replacing "operator of a charter school" with "charter school operator" for consistency. The bill also modifies the requirements for public meetings, ensuring that charter school operators conduct these meetings at least thirty days prior to opening a new site, with notices posted in multiple locations. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for charter schools to develop emergency response plans that specifically address communication and assistance for students with disabilities.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the oversight and administrative responsibilities of charter school sponsors, mandating that their actions be based on evidence of performance according to a publicly available framework. It also stipulates that sponsors may not charge fees to charter schools unless they have provided services that justify those fees. Other updates include the requirement for charter schools to secure their own insurance coverage or participate in a risk retention pool, and the removal of outdated language regarding the auditor general's review of financial records, ensuring compliance with accepted accounting principles.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-183