HI SR116

Requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to study Hawaii's per-pupil funding system for public charter schools to determine if it achieves its statutory goal of equalizing operational funding among public schools.

Requires the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to provide specific funding data to the Legislative Reference Bureau by June 30, 2016 to support the study.

Directs the State Public Charter School Commission, Hawaii Public Charter School Network, Hawaii Educational Policy Center, and other stakeholders to assist the Legislative Reference Bureau with information and resources as needed.

Requires the Legislative Reference Bureau to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2017 Regular Session convenes.

Addresses concerns that charter schools face financial strain and sustainability challenges despite receiving per-pupil funding amounts equal to Department of Education allocations under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 302D-28.