SB45 Summary: Alabama School Choice and Student Opportunity Act

• Creates the Alabama Public Charter School Commission and authorizes local school boards as charter authorizers; cap of 10 start-up public charter schools per fiscal year for first five years.

• Establishes application and approval process requiring demonstration of educational competence, includes restrictions on admissions (no academic screening, no religious themes) and mandates random selection when enrollment exceeds capacity.

• Requires performance frameworks based on nationally recognized standards including academic proficiency/growth, attendance, financial performance, and compliance; authorizers conduct ongoing oversight with authority to revoke or non-renew underperforming charters.

• Provides per-pupil funding from state Education Trust Fund and proportional local tax revenue to charter schools based on student characteristics; start-up schools receive up to 10 mill ad valorem match in local funds, conversion schools receive full per-pupil local allocation.

• Grants charter schools autonomy over finance, personnel, curriculum, and scheduling while requiring compliance with civil rights, special education, health/safety codes, and competitive bidding; provides facility access rights to unused school buildings at fair market value.