Bill > HB3122

This bill requires that any new charter school, established after August 28, 2026, must obtain a "certificate of need" from the State Board of Education before it can operate, though this requirement does not apply to the renewal of existing charter contracts or the transfer of sponsorship for a charter school. The certificate of need application, submitted by the local school district or city/county governing body, must demonstrate that there is a high demand for alternative educational options, that the area has sufficient "economies of scale" (meaning the capacity to reduce costs and increase efficiency with changing enrollment numbers) to support both teachers and students without harming the existing school district, and that the proposed charter school is likely to reduce inequities, improve academic achievement, lower student-teacher ratios, create a more efficient education system, minimize disruptions for families, and address non-educational family priorities like safety and convenience. The State Board of Education has 120 days to approve or deny the application, providing written reasons for disapproval if the information is not factual or based on sound data.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB3122&year=2026&code=R