Senate Bill No. 65, introduced by Senator Cathey and Representative Echols, amends existing laws regarding the conversion of preexisting public schools into charter schools in Louisiana. The bill outlines the election process for faculty, staff, and parents or guardians to approve such conversions, specifying that a simple majority of eligible voters is required for approval. It also mandates that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) adopt rules to ensure a fair and transparent election process, including provisions for protecting voter anonymity.

Key revisions in the bill include the removal of the requirement that faculty and staff elections be held at the preexisting school and the elimination of the previous method for determining the number needed for approval based on eligible employees assigned to the school. Additionally, the bill clarifies voting eligibility for parents and guardians, allowing only one vote per parent or guardian, with the option to cast additional votes for multiple children enrolled in the school. The elections for both faculty and parents will be conducted by secret ballot, ensuring confidentiality in the voting process.

Statutes affected:
SB65 Original: 17:3973(2), 17:3983(C)
SB65 Engrossed: 17:3973(2), 17:3983(C)