AL HB192

Creates the Alabama School Choice and Student Opportunity Act establishing a framework for public charter schools in Alabama, with charter schools functioning as part of the public education system.

Establishes the Alabama Public Charter School Commission as an independent 9-member state entity to authorize charter schools and serve as an appellate body when local school boards deny applications.

Authorizes both local school boards and the commission to charter schools, with a cap of 10 start-up charter schools approved per fiscal year for the first five years, and allows unlimited conversion of existing public schools to charter status.

Grants charter schools autonomy over finance, personnel, scheduling, curriculum, and instruction while requiring performance accountability based on a framework measuring academic proficiency, growth, attendance, financial management, and compliance with charter terms.

Provides charter schools per-student state and local funding equivalent to what would be allocated to traditional public schools, plus access to special education funding, categorical aid, and facilities funding through the Public School and College Authority.