Senate Bill No. 47, introduced by Senator Talbot, amends existing laws regarding charter schools in Louisiana, specifically the chartering process and corporate partnerships. The bill allows proposals for Type 1 or Type 3 charter schools to be submitted to the local school board, with the addition that proposals for charter schools with a corporate partner can be made directly to the state board as Type 2 charter schools. This change aims to streamline the process for charter schools that involve corporate partnerships, thereby enhancing the opportunities for collaboration between educational institutions and corporate entities.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of partnerships between state and federal government entities that contribute to public health, safety, defense, and critical infrastructure, asserting that such collaborations benefit both the state and its students. The definition of a corporate partner is expanded to include not only legal entities registered with the secretary of state but also regional airports and federal or state agencies, including public postsecondary education institutions. This broadening of the definition aims to foster more diverse partnerships that can support the state's public education system. The bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated time for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
SB47 Original: 17:3983(A)(2), 17:1(C)
SB47 Engrossed: 17:3983(A)(2), 17:1(C)