Senate Bill No. 362, introduced by Senator Cloud, amends and reenacts several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes related to charter schools, specifically changing the title from "Public Charter School Demonstration Law" to "Louisiana Public Charter School Law." The bill aims to enhance school choice options for parents, teachers, and students by providing a framework for the establishment of independent public charter schools. It emphasizes operational autonomy for these schools, aligning with the educational policies set by the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and terminology to clarify the chartering process and the objectives of charter schools.

Furthermore, the proposed legislation extends public school liability protections to charter schools, ensuring that the same legal protections applicable to traditional public schools also apply to charter schools and their employees. This includes provisions for charter schools to have the autonomy necessary to manage their educational programming and daily operations in accordance with applicable laws and policies. The bill is set to take effect upon the governor's signature or after the lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
SB362 Original: 17:3972(A), 17:3972(B)(1)(C), 17:3973(1), 17:3983(A)(2)