Colorado Legislative Council Staff

NO FISCAL IMPACT


Drafting Number:

Prime Sponsor(s):

LLS 98-548

Rep. Arrington

Sen. Coffman

Date:

Bill Status:

Fiscal Analyst:

January 27, 1998

House Education

Janis Baron (866-3523)

 

TITLE:            CONCERNING THE GRANTING OF WAIVERS FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS.



Summary of Assessment


            The bill permits the release of charter schools from state statutes and regulations on an expedited basis. It specifies that a waiver request is deemed granted unless the State Board of Education specifically denies the request in writing within 30 days after submission of the request. Lastly, the bill clarifies that when more than one waiver is requested, denial of some requests does not extend to the balance of the requests.


            The bill is effective at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the ninety-day period after adjournment sine die of the General Assembly, or on the date of the official declaration of the vote of the people as proclaimed by the Governor, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to Article V, Section 1 (3) of the State Constitution.


            HB 98-1171 expedites the waiver process for charter schools. Within five days of a contract being approved by the local board of education, any request for release from state statutes shall be delivered by the local board to the State Board of Education. The State Board then has 30 days to deny or grant the request. Approvals may be conveyed orally to the local board; denials must be provided in writing within 30 days. If the local board of education and charter school do not receive notice within 30 days, the request is deemed granted.


            The State Board of Education meets only once a month. Although the 30-day requirement may create logistical and time constraint problems for the State Board, the bill will not require additional state moneys. Therefore, the bill is assessed as having no fiscal impact.

   

                

Departments Contacted


            Education