The bill, H.B. No. 5516, amends the Education Code to establish a new process for applications to create open-enrollment charter school campuses or sites. It modifies Section 12.1101 to remove references to the establishment of campuses and focuses solely on charter applications. Additionally, it introduces Section 12.1142, which outlines the requirements for submitting an application for a new campus or site, including the need for a fiscal report estimating the financial impact on the state and affected school districts. The bill also mandates that the commissioner provide notice of the application and the accompanying report to relevant school district officials and legislators.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that applications for new campuses or sites can be submitted at least 36 months before the proposed establishment date and that the approval process will only occur during even-numbered years. It repeals certain existing provisions in Sections 12.101(b-4) and (b-10) that are no longer applicable. The changes will apply only to applications received on or after the effective date of the Act, which will take effect immediately if it secures a two-thirds majority vote in both houses, or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 12.1101, Education Code 12.114 (Education Code 12)