The bill amends chapter 160 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by adding a new section, 160.426, which establishes a requirement for charter schools to obtain a certificate of need from the state board of education before they can operate in Missouri, effective August 28, 2026. This requirement applies only to proposed charter schools that are not already established by that date and does not affect the renewal of existing charter contracts or the transfer of sponsorship for charter schools. The bill clarifies that charter schools must still comply with existing laws and regulations. To obtain a certificate of need, the governing board of the relevant school district or local governing body must submit an application that includes documentation affirming specific conditions, such as consumer demand for educational options exceeding supply and the proposed charter school’s potential to improve educational outcomes and address inequities. The state board of education is tasked with reviewing these applications and must approve or disapprove them within 120 days, providing written reasons for any disapproval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6012H.01): 160.426