HB 1291 Summary

• Establishes a new comprehensive charter school framework allowing both start-up charter schools and conversion of existing public schools to charter status in Mississippi.

• Charter schools must be tuition-free, nonsectarian, non-discriminatory, and subject to health, safety, and civil rights requirements, with three-year renewable charter contracts and automatic renewal if performance standards are met.

• Charter school funding is based on per-pupil enrollment, with state and local funds distributed from the student's home school district; charter schools may not levy taxes or issue bonds.

• Creates the Charter Schools Stimulus Revolving Loan Fund providing up to $50,000 initial loans (plus $50,000 additional) to charter school applicants for start-up costs, repayable over three years.

• Repeal of the prior Conversion Charter School Act of 2010 and requirement that the State Department of Education evaluate charter schools and report findings to the Legislature by 2016.