The bill amends various sections of the General Laws in Chapter 16-77, which governs charter public schools in Rhode Island. Key insertions include definitions for "bona fide labor organization" and "employees," clarifying the roles of non-represented, non-management, and non-confidential employees in charter schools. A new section titled "Legislative purpose" emphasizes the charter school system's intent to provide alternative public education options while ensuring accountability, innovation, and community involvement. The bill also introduces a "union neutrality clause," requiring charter schools to remain neutral on employee unionization, and limits the total number of charters to thirty-five, with at least half designated for applications aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for at-risk students.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for establishing district and independent charter schools, mandating the submission of detailed charters to the commissioner and local school committees, including educational plans and governance structures. It specifies that teachers and administrators in these schools must be certified and receive comparable wages and benefits to their public school counterparts. The legislation also requires charter applicants to submit financial documentation to the auditor general and allows for annual reviews of independent charter schools. Overall, the amendments aim to create a more structured and equitable framework for charter schools while ensuring compliance with educational standards and protecting employee rights.