With very little debate and few questions, a bill (SB 1546) that permits expansion of charter schools passed the Senate Budget Committee on Thursday.
The bill’s next stop is the Senate floor.
The measure allows high-performing charter schools to more easily add new grades or increase enrollment. It was also amended on Thursday to permit certain charter schools the ability to grant preferential enrollment to the children of active-duty military personnel.
Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, is the bil’s sponsor.
A similar House bill (HB 7195) is up in the House Appropriations Committee on Friday.
This bill is a priority of Gov. Rick Scott, who has said he supports charter school expansion.
