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, each individual charter school will be deemed compliant. The bill also emphasizes the importance of transparency in the admissions lottery process, mandating that information regarding the lottery and waiting lists be made available to all applicants.

Furthermore, the bill establishes new rules for the admissions process, including the requirement for charter schools to conduct an admissions lottery when the number of eligible applicants exceeds capacity. It also prohibits charter schools from requiring parents to disclose medical or economic information prior to enrollment, while allowing for enrollment preferences for students with special needs or those who are economically disadvantaged if such information is voluntarily provided. The legislation aims to enhance the accessibility and fairness of charter school admissions while ensuring that the needs of economically disadvantaged students are prioritized.

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)