House committee substitute makes the following changes to 1st edition. Expands section 11 to amend GS 135-48.54, removing separate provision allowing charter schools approved in 1997-98 to join the State retirement plan. Adjusts timing requirement for charter schools to join the State Health Plan (Plan) from 30 days to two years after the school's written charter was signed. Adds new subsection (b1), requiring a charter school wishing to participate in the Plan to provide notice of intent to do so six months in advance. However, failure to provide this notice alone will not prohibit a charter school from joining the Plan. 

Notwithstanding the time requirements detailed above, any charter school that has been chartered in accordance with GS Chapter 115C, Article 14A, that has not voluntarily elected to participate in the Plan as of the effective date of this act may elect to participate in the Plan within two years of the effective date of this act. The six-month notice requirement detailed above will still apply. 

Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes law.