Charter schools; authorize state universities and community colleges to issue charters and revise various other provisions.

HB 760 would authorize Mississippi's state universities and community colleges to issue charters for public charter schools, in addition to the existing Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board, requiring these institutions to create a dedicated office for charter school authorization. The bill revises key administrative provisions, including allowing authorizers to approve school mergers without closing a charter school, prohibiting authorizers from retaining per-pupil funding for their own support, and requiring charter schools to consult the state auditor on financial regulations. It also changes how charter schools are evaluated for renewal, expands opportunities for applicants denied charters to fix deficiencies and reapply, and adjusts oversight requirements for charter schools. These changes aim to broaden authorization options and streamline administrative processes for charter schools in Mississippi.