HI HB159

Increases the percentage of annual charter school general fund allocation that the charter school administrative office may withhold for operational expenses from 2% to 5%, with required annual legislative reporting on expenses.

Adds charter school reauthorization denials and special monitoring/temporary fund withholding as grounds for board appeals, expanding the appeal process beyond initial charter denials and revocations.

Requires local school boards to meet at least quarterly, develop policies and bylaws, maintain conflict of interest policies, and make board member names and meeting minutes publicly available.

Expands charter school review panel duties to include oversight of local school board compliance with their responsibilities and authority to require mandatory board training or reconstitute boards if oversight responsibilities are not fulfilled.

Clarifies that local school boards have oversight authority over charter school financial and academic viability, implementation of charters, and independent authority over organization, management, curriculum, and legal compliance.