Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a public charter school pilot project.

Highlights:

• Establishes a public charter school pilot project in which local school boards are authorized to oversee up to 2 charter schools per academic year from the 2017-2018 academic year through the 2021-2022 academic year (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a charter school established by the pilot program is part of the public school system, but is exempt from certain statutes and administrative regulations applicable to the state board, local school districts, and schools (Sec. 3).

• Prohibits a charter school from having a religious affiliation, having entrance requirements, or charging tuition or fees (Sec. 3).

• Requires a charter school to accept and application for enrollment submitted before April 1 by a student who meets certain qualifications including, but not limited to, the following qualifications (Sec. 10):
• The student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch; and
• The student resides within the attendance area of the local school district.

• Specifies that if the number of applicants for enrollment in a charter school exceeds capacity, students are selected for admission by a random selection lottery, with preference provided to students who are returning to the school (Sec. 10).

Full Bill Text