Changes provisions governing charter schools

HB 1044 updates rules for where charter schools can operate and who can sponsor them. It allows charters in unaccredited districts, districts with specific accreditation statuses, counties with 150,000-200,000 residents, cities over 30,000 people, and certain county governments. New sponsors include public/private colleges, community colleges, and nonprofits meeting accreditation standards, while prohibiting sponsors from charging fees for charter applications. The bill also limits charter enrollment to 35% of a district’s total in schools with over 1,550 students and creates a "workplace charter" option targeting students of employees in business districts.