MS HB36

Establishes a new charter public school system in Mississippi allowing creation of new schools or conversion of existing public schools to charter status, authorized by local school boards or the State Board of Education.

Requires charter applications to be submitted by July 1, authorizers must respond within 45 days, and approved schools must execute 5-year performance-based contracts before commencing operations.

Charter schools must operate as nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporations, cannot charge tuition (except as allowed for public schools), cannot levy taxes or issue bonds, and must comply with health, safety, civil rights, and special education requirements.

Funding is based on per-pupil expenditures from students' home districts; authorizers may retain 1% oversight fee; establishes a Charter Public Schools Stimulus Revolving Loan Fund providing up to $100,000 in loans for start-up costs.

Limits initial approvals to 5 applications per year for first 3 years (after July 1, 2010), then 10 per year thereafter; charter revocation permitted for safety failures, academic underperformance, financial violations, or contract breaches.