CS/CS/HB 7101 Summary

• Revises charter school application and approval processes, reducing decision timeline from 90 to 60 days and establishing a $500 fee for draft applications with sponsor feedback requirements.

• Requires use of standard charter contracts and creates enhanced appeal procedures for high-performing charter schools with clear and convincing evidence standards for denials.

• Authorizes high-performing charter schools and systems to replicate schools in any district and allows charter schools exemption from controlled open enrollment under certain circumstances.

• Revises administrative fee structures for charter schools (up to 5% for most schools, 2% for high-performing charter schools) and restricts additional fees beyond the specified percentages.

• Modifies blended learning course eligibility, facility sharing provisions, Title I funding distribution directly to eligible schools, and dual enrollment program participation requirements.