SCHOOLS/CHARTER: Provides relative to charter school funding (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Chenevert

HB 386 lets certain Type 1 and Type 3 charter schools become their own LEA for funding with local board approval, and receive per-pupil MFP funding like other charters.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.

Overview

Bill: HB 386 (Louisiana, 2026 Regular Session)

Topic: Charter school funding and local education agency (LEA) status

Sponsor: Rep. Chenevert

Objective: Allow certain charter schools to be considered their own local education agency for funding purposes, with implementation guided by local school boards.

Main purpose and intent

To authorize specific types of charter schools to be treated as their own LEA for funding purposes and for statutory definitions, subject to approval from the local school board and rules adopted by the board.

Keeps existing funding treatment for most charter types but expands per-pupil funding eligibility to additional charter types (Type 1 and Type 3).

Key provisions and changes

Funding eligibility (A):

Under current law, Type 1, Type 3, Type 3B (not acting as its own LEA), and Type 4 charter schools are considered approved public schools of the local school board for funding.
Present law already provides that Type 2 charter schools and Type 3B acting as its own LEA receive a per-pupil amount annually as determined by BESE per the minimum foundation program (MFP).
HB 386 adds that Type 1 and Type 3 charter schools would also receive the per-pupil amount determined by the MFP formula, aligning their funding to other charter types.

LEA determination (H):

Present law requires Type 2 and Type 5 charter schools to be considered the LEA for funding and statutory definitions, per BESE rules.
HB 386 retains this requirement. The bill also allows, with local school board approval, a Type 1, Type 3, or Type 3B charter school to be considered the LEA for funding purposes and statutory definitions, in accordance with local board rules.

Local control (I):

The local school board remains the LEA for Type 1, Type 3, or Type 4 charters unless the charter school is explicitly authorized to act as its own LEA under R.S. 17:10.7.1 or per HB 386’s provisions.

Who is affected

Charter schools:

Type 1, Type 3, and Type 3B charters could be designated as their own LEA for funding purposes with local board approval.
Type 1 and Type 3 charters would become eligible to receive the per-pupil funding amount established by the MFP, similar to other charter types.

Local school districts:

Retains LEA responsibilities for most charters unless board-approved to delegate LEA status to the charter.

State education authorities (BESE and the Department of Education):

Continue to set funding formulas and oversight, with adjustments to how LEA status is applied to charter schools.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Effective date: Not explicitly stated in the available text; would follow the usual enactment and implementation timeline after passage.

Oversight and rules:

Any change in LEA status for a charter school would occur in accordance with rules adopted by the local school board.
BESE rules continue to govern funding calculations and oversight.

Process for changes:

A Type 1, Type 3, or Type 3B charter seeks LEA status for funding purposes with local board approval.

Practical impact and considerations

Potential for increased charter autonomy in funding decisions, contingent on local board approval.

Alignment of funding for Type 1 and Type 3 charters with other charters in terms of per-pupil amounts under the MFP.

Increased administrative flexibility for districts and charters to tailor LEA roles, subject to local governance rules and BESE oversight.

Note: The bill retains existing framework for Type 2 and Type 5 charters and adds clarifying provisions to extend similar funding mechanics to Type 1 and Type 3 charters, with local board authorization.