[§302D-4] Chartering authority application for eligible entities. (a) The commission created under section 302D-3 may authorize public charter schools anywhere in the State.
(b) Governing boards of accredited public and private postsecondary institutions, including community colleges, technical colleges, and four-year universities may apply to the board, pursuant to this section, for statewide, regional, or local chartering authority, in accordance with each institution's regular operating jurisdiction.
(c) A county or state agency may apply to the board, pursuant to this section, for chartering authority.
(d) Governing boards of non-profit or charitable organizations, which are exempt from federal taxes under section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, may apply to the board, and may be granted statewide chartering authority. Nonpublic sectarian or religious organizations and any other charitable organization which in their federal Internal Revenue Service Form 1023, Part IV, describe activities indicating a religious purpose, are not eligible to apply to become an authorizer under this chapter.
(e) The board shall establish, through administrative rules, the annual application and approval process for all entities eligible to apply for chartering authority pursuant to this section; provided that the board shall not approve any application for chartering authority until July 1, 2014, or until the board adopts rules, whichever is later. By June 30 of each year, the board shall make available information and guidelines for all eligible entities concerning the opportunity to apply for chartering authority under this chapter. The application process shall require each interested eligible entity to submit an application that clearly explains or presents the following elements:
(f) By June 30 of each year, the board shall decide whether to grant or deny chartering authority to each applicant. The board shall make its decisions on the merits of each applicant's proposal and plans.
(g) Within sixty days of the board's decision, the board shall execute a renewable authorizing contract with each entity it has approved for chartering authority. The initial term of each authorizing contract shall be six years. The authorizing contract shall specify each approved entity's agreement to serve as an authorizer in accordance with the expectations of this chapter, and shall specify additional performance terms based on the applicant's proposal and plan for chartering. No approved entity shall commence charter authorizing without an authorizing contract in effect.
(h) This section shall not apply to the commission. [L 2012, c 130, pt of §2]