Summary of H.B. 250 (Session Law 2013-359)

• Establishes enrollment priority preferences for charter schools including siblings of current/former enrolled students, children of full-time employees (limited to 15% of total enrollment unless waiver granted), and students who previously attended the school for academic study abroad or competitive programs.

• Expands sibling definition to include half-siblings, stepsiblings, and children in family foster homes residing in the same household.

• Requires charter schools within one year of operation to have student population reasonably reflect the racial and ethnic composition of the local school administrative unit or special population served, subject to any court-ordered desegregation plans.

• Eliminates prior State Board approval requirements for charter schools to increase enrollment by up to 20% annually during second year and beyond, or to expand to one additional grade level if school has operated 3+ years without inadequate performance designation.

• Effective July 26, 2013 for the 2013-2014 school year.