AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- ESTABLISHMENT OF CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

HB 5600 amends the legislative purpose and operational guidelines for charter public schools in Rhode Island. It reinforces that charter schools are public institutions, subject to federal anti-discrimination laws, and aims to foster innovation, improve student learning, and increase opportunities for at-risk pupils. The bill establishes new requirements, such as mandating local written support from town or city councils for network charter schools or expansions. It also details specific criteria for charter revocation and sets a cap of 35 charters statewide, with a focus on serving at-risk students.