The bill amends existing laws regarding charter schools in Louisiana, specifically focusing on the duration and renewal processes of charters. It changes the initial validity period of an approved school charter from four years to five years, with renewals allowed for periods between three to ten years based on thorough reviews of the school's operations and compliance. The chartering authority is required to notify the chartering group of renewal decisions by January 31 of the year the charter is set to expire, and any non-renewal must include a written explanation. Additionally, the bill introduces new criteria for charter renewal that includes academic performance and distinguishes between different types of charter schools.

Furthermore, the bill provides an alternative to revocation of a charter by allowing the chartering authority to reconstitute the governing body of the charter holder under certain conditions, such as financial violations or failure to meet accountability standards. It also establishes provisions for charter schools that do not receive a performance score, allowing for an extension of the charter contract term under specific circumstances. Lastly, charter operators with high-performing schools are granted the ability to open additional schools without formal application, provided they meet certain criteria and notify the chartering authority in advance.

Statutes affected:
SB316 Original: 17:3992(A)(1), 17:3998(B)
SB316 Engrossed: 17:3992(A)(1), 17:3998(B)
SB316 Reengrossed: 17:3992(A)(1), 17:3998(B)
SB316 Enrolled: 17:3992(A)(1), 17:3998(B)
SB316 Act : 17:3992(A)(1), 17:3998(B)