The bill seeks to repeal sections 160.400 and 160.415 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and replace them with new provisions that govern the operation and sponsorship of charter schools. The new regulations define charter schools as independent public schools that can only be established in specific types of school districts, such as metropolitan, urban, and unaccredited or provisionally accredited districts. Importantly, the bill removes the eligibility for charter schools in districts located within counties with populations between 150,000 and 200,000, thereby narrowing the scope for their establishment. Additionally, the bill outlines the criteria for charter school sponsorship, specifying eligible sponsors such as local school boards and public colleges, and mandates that sponsors conduct background checks for governing board members without charging fees for charter consideration. It establishes funding regulations, requiring school districts to pay charter schools for eligible pupils and ensuring timely payments. The bill also allows charter schools to incur debt, accept grants, and receive transportation state aid, while prohibiting tuition charges for most students. Furthermore, it mandates that charter schools publish annual performance reports online and ensures that management companies operating these schools are nonprofit corporations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6098H.01): 160.400, 160.415