Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 13.

This bill revises present law provisions regarding public charter schools under the Tennessee Public Charter Schools Act of 2002, as follows: (1) Under present law, a charter agreement expires 10 academic years after the first day of instruction. This bill decreases the years for expiration from 10 to five; (2) Under present law, a renewal of a charter agreement is for a period of 10 academic years. This bill decreases the renewal period from 10 to five and adds that, notwithstanding such provision, an authorizer may in the authorizer's discretion, renew a charter agreement for a period not to exceed 10 academic years based on the public charter school's academic and operational performance, demonstrated capacities, and unique educational circumstances; and (3) This bill also adds that a local board of education may approve or deny a public charter school application based on the number of public schools, including public charter schools, already serving the LEA within which the public charter school is applying to operate, and the enrollment in each of the schools. This bill prohibits the public charter school commission from approving for operation any public charter school that the commission determines will impair the ability of the existing public schools, including public charter schools, to maintain adequate student enrollment or continue serving the students, LEA, or community.