Bill > HB4818

This bill aims to increase access to unused or underutilized public buildings for public charter schools by establishing clear definitions for "unused school facility" and "underutilized property," requiring county school districts to report such properties annually to the Department of Education, and mandating that these districts offer these properties to public charter schools for purchase or lease at or below fair market value. The bill also introduces a "right of first refusal" for public charter schools, meaning if a school district offers a property to another party, an approved public charter school must be given the opportunity to match the offer first, with specific timelines and negotiation processes outlined, including mediation and independent appraisals if an agreement isn't reached. Furthermore, it clarifies that while the charter school is responsible for ongoing operational costs during a lease, the original entity remains responsible for pre-existing debt or deferred maintenance on the property, and if a charter school later sells a purchased facility, it must first offer it back to the original entity.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4818&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill