DE HB205

Requires criminal background checks and child abuse registry checks for charter school board members and founders, prohibiting those with felony convictions or crimes against children from serving on charter boards

Mandates disclosure of any ownership or financial interest in the charter school by founders and board members, including interests in buildings and real property used by the school

Changes first-year charter school funding to 50% upfront (if preliminary roster submitted by May 1), with remaining 25% on October 1 and 25% on February 1 contingent on satisfactory financial review

Requires charter schools to post Standardized Financial Report Forms, IRS Form 990 (if applicable), and annual audits on their websites for public transparency

Creates expedited approval process for "highly successful charter school operators" to take over schools whose charters have been revoked or not renewed, reducing the typical 18-month timeline

Classifies enrollment increases exceeding 15% as major modifications requiring authorizer consideration of impact on traditional schools from which students would be drawn