The bill amends Section 16-77-3.1 of the General Laws regarding the establishment of charter public schools in Rhode Island. It introduces a legislative purpose aimed at providing alternative public education options through charter schools. A significant change introduced by the bill is the restriction on the establishment of new network charter schools. Specifically, it states that no application for a new charter school shall be granted after the effective date of this section if the proposed school is a network charter school. Additionally, no application for an expansion of an existing charter school shall be granted if the proposed expansion would create a network charter school. The bill also stipulates that at least one-half of the total number of charter public schools in the state shall be reserved for applications aimed at increasing educational opportunities for at-risk pupils. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6034: 16-77-3.1