Louisiana Senate Bill SB36

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Report Pass: 3/24/14
• Engrossed: 3/27/14
• Refer: 3/31/14
• Report Pass: 5/21/14
• Enrolled: 6/1/14
• Chaptered: 6/19/14
• Passed: 6/19/14

Caption

Requires notification to certain elected officials regarding submission and status of certain charter school applications. (gov sig)

Impact

The implementation of SB36 signifies a step toward greater legislative oversight regarding charter schools. By requiring notification, the bill aims to enhance communication and transparency between chartering authorities and state lawmakers. This change impacts existing workflows related to charter school applications and could lead to increased engagement from legislators in the educational decisions that affect their constituents. Additionally, the law does not apply to the renewals of existing charter schools, which implies that its focus remains on new proposals, thereby not disrupting the status quo of currently operating charter schools.

Summary

Senate Bill 36 (SB36) addresses the process of charter school applications in Louisiana by mandating that chartering authorities notify state legislators when an initial charter school proposal is submitted. This notification requirement is intended to ensure that all relevant state representatives are informed about developments in their districts as they pertain to new charter schools. The notification must include essential details like the submission date, the chartering authority, the type of charter school proposed, and its location. It also stipulates that legislators be informed of the approval or denial of such proposals.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB36 appears to be generally positive among supporters who see it as a constructive measure for enhancing transparency in the charter school authorization process. Proponents argue that by keeping legislators informed, the bill promotes accountability within chartering bodies and enables better-informed decision-making. However, there may also be concerns about the additional bureaucracy this introduces in the charter approval process, which opponents could view as an unnecessary layer of regulation that might delay the establishment of new charter schools.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB36 include fears that the notification requirement may introduce political influences into the charter school approval process, potentially complicating decisions that are ideally based solely on educational needs and merits. Critics may argue that this bill reinforces a bureaucratic hindrance that could slow down timely responses to educational needs, particularly in underserved communities seeking new charter options. The balance between governmental oversight and efficient educational delivery remains a critical debate around this legislation.