This bill amends and reenacts several provisions related to charter schools in Louisiana, specifically focusing on charter school proposals, applications, and admissions lotteries. Key changes include the adjustment of enrollment requirements for economically disadvantaged students and students with exceptionalities, reducing the required percentage from eighty-five to seventy percent. Additionally, new provisions are introduced to ensure that if the aggregate enrollment data for all charter schools within a school system meets the specified requirements, all charter schools in that system will be deemed compliant. The bill also mandates that charter schools conduct admissions lotteries when the number of eligible applicants exceeds their capacity, with specific transparency requirements regarding the lottery process.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of considering the best interests of economically disadvantaged students in charter school proposals and requires that admission requirements do not exclude students based on their economic status. It also prohibits charter schools from requiring parents to disclose medical or economic information prior to enrollment, unless mandated by law. The state board is tasked with developing rules to ensure compliance with these new transparency and enrollment requirements, including investigating allegations of discriminatory practices. Overall, the bill aims to enhance access and equity in charter school admissions while maintaining accountability in the enrollment process.

Statutes affected:
HB708 Original: 17:3973(2), 17:3983(F)(1), 17:3991(B)(3), 17:1(E)(2), 17:3991(B)(1)
HB708 Engrossed: 17:3973(2), 17:3983(F)(1), 17:3991(B)(3), 17:1(E)(2), 17:3991(B)(1)
HB708 Enrolled: 17:3973(2), 17:3983(F)(1), 17:3991(B)(1), 17:1(E)(2)
HB708 Act 659: 17:3973(2), 17:3983(F)(1), 17:3991(B)(1), 17:1(E)(2)