Signed by Governor Phil Bredesen

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands charter school access, alters funding policy, and changes time limits for reapplication.

Highlights:

-Allows all students who qualify for free or reduced lunch in school systems with over 12,000 students to apply for charter schools (Sec. 2). -Allows for the formation of public charter schools, whose students must qualify for public school attendance or students who would benefit from a work experience program, according to the juvenile court (Sec. 3). -Defines how a public charter school may be formed, as well as requirements for approval (Sec. 3). -Defines the powers and responsibilities of the chartering authority (Sec. 5). -Specifies that local education agencies (school systems) must provide the same amount of funding per student to charter schools as was previously provided to public schools (Sec.7). -Allows students to reapply for charter schools after ten years, instead of reapplying after only five years (Sec.10). -Requires the act to take effect July 1st, 2009 (Sec.12).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands charter school access, alters funding policy, and changes time limits for reapplication.

Highlights:

-Allows all students who qualify for free or reduced lunch in school systems with over 12,000 students to apply for charter schools (Sec. 2). -Specifies that local education agencies (school systems) must provide the same amount of funding per student to charter schools as was previously provided to public schools (Sec.7). -Allows students to reapply for charter schools after ten years, instead of reapplying after only five years (Sec. 10). -Requires the act to take effect July 1st, 2009 (Sec. 12).

Full Bill Text