Bill > H7037

This bill revises various provisions related to charter schools in Florida, including their application process, renewal, termination, and closure, as well as their financial reporting and public meeting requirements. It introduces changes to the application process by requiring disclosure of the academic and financial history of related charter schools and allows for draft applications with feedback. The bill also modifies rules for high-performing charter schools, allowing them to appeal denials more directly and potentially expand their operations under certain conditions. It clarifies that existing public schools converting to charter status must have alternative arrangements for students and teachers who do not wish to transition. The bill also establishes the Florida Charter School Innovation Institute at Florida State University to support charter school accountability, quality, and innovation, and provides an appropriation for its creation and for funding related to the repeal of certain virtual education provisions. Additionally, it adjusts capital outlay funding for charter schools, allowing for longer charter terms for certain entities and modifying eligibility criteria for funding, and clarifies how charter schools receive funding from local millage levies.