Senate Bill 1310, also known as House Bill 1322, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to charter schools. Key changes include redefining the term "Authorizer" to include local boards of education, the Tennessee public charter school commission, and the achievement school district. The bill introduces a new definition for "Replication," which refers to the creation of additional charter schools that share the same academic focus as an existing one. It also modifies the application process for establishing new charter schools, requiring sponsors to apply to the local board of education or the commission, and mandates that the commission make letters of intent available on its website within ten days of receipt.

Additionally, the bill outlines a new process for sponsors to apply directly to the commission if their applications have been denied by local boards on three separate occasions within a three-year period. It establishes timelines for the commission to approve or deny applications and specifies that if the commission fails to act within the designated timeframes, the applications are deemed approved. The bill also includes provisions for public institutions of higher education to apply for charter schools and mandates annual reporting requirements for authorizers. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-13-104, 49-13-106(i), 49-13-106, 49-13-107(a), 49-13-107, 49-13-107(b), 49-13-108, 49-13-108(b)(5), 49-13-108(b)(5)(D), 49-13-108(g), 49-13-110(d), 49-13-110, 49-13-111(a)(4), 49-13-111, 49-13-116(a), 49-13-116, 49-13-116(b), 49-13-120, 49-13-121(a), 49-13-121, 49-13-121(d), 49-13-121(e), 49-13-121(f), 49-13-121(f)(3), 49-13-121(i), 49-13-121(k), 49-13-122(g), 49-13-122, 49-13-128(f), 49-13-128, 49-13-133(b), 49-13-133, 49-13-142, 49-13-143(a), 49-13-143, 49-13-143(b)