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Committee shortens charter school first-right window to 90 days, eases reverter clause
Summary
HB 1395 would give charter schools a 90-day right of first refusal to buy closed school buildings and permit school boards to include alternative uses in conveyance documents to avoid automatic reverter; the committee passed the bill by voice vote.
Senator Blunt presented House Bill 1395 to the committee, explaining the bill addresses two problems with the current statute governing closed school buildings: (1) an open-ended first right of refusal for charter schools, and (2) a reverter clause that discourages purchasers by requiring the property revert to the school district if the buyer later changes use. Blunt said HB 1395 retains the first right but limits it to a 90-day window, and allows school boards to add alternative uses into sales documents so properties remain marketable.
Blunt said those two changes should make closed school properties easier to sell and give charter operators a clear but time-limited chance to purchase. The committee engaged briefly on details, including how the time frame differs from a six-month standard and how alterations to conveyance records will work; after discussion the committee adopted the motion and passed the bill by voice vote.
