HB1745 - Education; Charter Schools Summary

• Authorizes the State Public Charter School Commission to assess fees on non-state entities and individuals to offset operating costs, with initial fees set through public hearing process rather than standard rulemaking procedures.

• Establishes pre-opening procedures for approved charter applicants, requiring them to meet pre-contracting criteria before entering charter contracts; applicants failing to meet criteria within established timeframes are considered withdrawn.

• Mandates separate and additional appropriations for the commission beginning fiscal year 2015-2016, distinct from appropriations made directly to charter schools.

• Expands the commission's authority to hire staff outside civil service requirements and adjust staff compensation through chapter 89C; grants commission members exemptions from certain conflict-of-interest statutes similar to board members.

• Clarifies definitions and governance standards for charter schools, including stricter conflict-of-interest rules for governing board members and enhanced authorizer oversight powers for school performance and compliance monitoring.