MO HB3122

Beginning August 28, 2026, new charter schools in Missouri must obtain a certificate of need from the State Board of Education before operating; existing charter schools, renewals, and sponsorship transfers are exempt

Applications must be submitted by the local school district governing board or city/county governing body, certifying that consumer demand for alternative education exceeds supply and sufficient economies of scale exist

Proposed charter schools must demonstrate likelihood of alleviating economic and racial inequities, improving academic achievement, reducing student-teacher ratios, and avoiding superfluous duplication of services

The State Board of Education must approve or disapprove each application within 120 calendar days, based on whether the information provided is factual and based on sound data and reasoning

Disapproved applications must include written documentation explaining the reasons for denial