The bill amends various sections of the General Laws concerning charter public schools in Rhode Island. It establishes a new legislative purpose and sets a cap of twenty-eight charters. The bill imposes a moratorium on the approval of new charter schools or expansions for the school years 2026-2027, 2027-2028, and 2028-2029. During this period, the council on elementary and secondary education is prohibited from granting preliminary or final approval for the creation or expansion of any district charter school, independent charter school, or mayoral academy charter school.

Additionally, the state is barred from approving or appropriating funding for any new charter school or for the expansion of existing charter schools that have not received final approval from the council prior to July 1, 2025, for the fiscal years 2026-2027, 2027-2028, or 2028-2029. The bill details the procedures for creating district charter schools and independent charter schools, emphasizing the need for local support and outlining necessary components such as educational plans, governance structures, and financial accountability. It also highlights the oversight responsibilities of the commissioner and the auditor general in reviewing the financial integrity of nonprofit organizations seeking to establish charter schools. The amendments aim to enhance accountability and operational standards while ensuring that charter schools remain nonsectarian and nonreligious.

Statutes affected:
2787: 16-77.2-2, 16-77.3-2, 16-77.4-2
2787  SUB A: 16-77.2-2, 16-77.3-2, 16-77.4-2
2787  SUB A as amended: 16-77.2-2, 16-77.3-2, 16-77.4-2