MS HB30

Establishes a new framework for creating charter schools in Mississippi through either new school applications or conversion of existing public schools, with charters granted by local school districts or the State Board of Education for 5-year renewable terms

Requires charter schools to be tuition-free, nonsectarian, and non-discriminatory, while meeting health, safety, civil rights, and financial audit requirements; schools must use lottery-based admission when applications exceed capacity

Exempts charter schools from most state education statutes and regulations, though they remain subject to laws on teacher strikes, school safety reporting, and student count fraud

Creates the Charter Schools Stimulus Revolving Loan Fund to provide up to $50,000 in initial loans and an additional $50,000 for start-up and renovation costs, repayable over 5 years

Limits new charter school approvals to 5 schools in the first 3 years after enactment, then up to 10 per year; requires the Department of Education to submit an evaluation to the Legislature before the 2014 session