HB 3156 Summary

• Establishes two pathways for school districts to become exempt from statutory and regulatory requirements that apply to charter schools: one for districts with a C or above average grade, one for districts with a D or lower grade.

• School districts with C or above grades may adopt a board resolution for exemption after public notice and comment, with exemption continuing until the board votes to revoke it; exemption automatically revokes if the district receives a D or lower grade for two consecutive years.

• School districts with D or lower grades must submit a plan to the State Board of Education outlining educational and fiscal benefits; the State Board has 90 days to approve or disapprove, with approved exemptions lasting no longer than three years and renewable upon reapplication.

• All exempt school districts must continue to comply with specific requirements including student residency rights, teacher minimum salary schedules, Teachers' Retirement System participation, health insurance, criminal background checks, teacher evaluations, collective bargaining, teacher certification, curriculum standards, and school board continuing education.

• Prohibits discrimination against school employees for exercising or not exercising rights under the Empowerment Program; effective July 1, 2016, with emergency declared for immediate effect.