NC H644

Establishes a Charter School Transportation Grant Program administered by the Department of Public Instruction to reimburse charter schools for 65% of eligible student transportation costs.

Eligible charter schools must have at least 50% of their student enrollment from households with income levels qualifying for federal free or reduced-price lunch programs.

Charter schools may apply for fall semester reimbursements by December 31 and for spring semester reimbursements by June 30, with awards distributed by January 15 and July 15 respectively.

Appropriates $2,500,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction for the 2017-2018 fiscal year to support the grant program.

Requires the Department to report annually to the Fiscal Research Division and Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on grant recipients, eligible transportation costs, and program cost estimates.