The bill amends the General Laws governing charter public schools in Rhode Island by establishing a new legislative purpose. It sets a cap of twenty-five charters, with at least one reserved for applications focused on increasing educational opportunities for at-risk pupils. The bill imposes a moratorium on the approval of new charter schools or expansions for the 2026-2029 school years, preventing the council on elementary and secondary education from granting preliminary or final approval for the creation or expansion of any district charter school, independent charter school, or mayoral academy charter school during this period. Additionally, the state is prohibited from approving or appropriating funding for any new charter school or for the expansion of existing charter schools that have not received prior approval from the council by July 1, 2025.

The bill outlines the procedural requirements for creating district charter schools, including the necessity for local support and detailing the components required for proposed charters. It mandates that teachers and parents express support for the establishment of a charter school and establishes governance and operational criteria. The bill emphasizes accountability through oversight by the commissioner, including annual audits and performance reporting, ensuring that any new or expanded charter schools adhere to educational standards and financial integrity before operation.

Statutes affected:
7415: 16-77.2-2, 16-77.3-2, 16-77.4-2