Bill > HB251

This bill generally revises laws related to public charter schools by making several key changes to how these schools are defined, approved, and funded in Montana. The bill introduces a formal definition for a "public charter school district" as a district created by the Board of Public Education that is governed by a board separate from a local school board, clarifies that such districts are not taxing jurisdictions, and specifies they receive state funding under specific guidelines. The bill requires the Office of Public Instruction to provide a fiscal analysis for charter school proposals and mandates that the Board of Public Education limit the annual cost of new charter schools based on legislative appropriations. Additionally, the bill prioritizes charter school proposals that demonstrate a commitment to personalized and proficiency-based learning. The legislation also establishes new financial provisions, such as how funding will be distributed to charter school districts (at varying percentages of basic entitlements), and clarifies that charter schools can accept donations and participate in innovative education tax credit programs. The bill further specifies the financial obligations of resident school districts for charter schools serving students with disabilities and removes the Board of Public Education's previous authority to waive statutory requirements in charter contracts. These changes aim to provide more structured oversight and financial guidelines for public charter schools in Montana, with the bill set to take effect on July 1, 2025.