IL HB0481

Establishes the Illinois Charter Public School Commission as an independent, State-level charter school authorizing entity working with the State Board of Education, with funding from private contributions and federal/institutional grants.

Commission membership consists of 8 appointees: one each recommended by the Governor, Senate President, Senate Minority Leader, House Speaker, House Minority Leader, and two recommended by the Chicago school district's chief executive officer; members serve staggered 3-year terms with initial appointments due by September 1, 2009.

Grants the Commission authority to authorize, approve, deny, and terminate charter schools; conduct facility and curriculum reviews; and monitor academic and financial performance of Commission charter schools.

Allows Commission charter schools to change sponsors from local school boards (with board consent) and permits existing charter operators to submit applications for additional charters, with schools retaining facilities and assets upon sponsorship change.

Limits Commission charter school enrollment in Chicago to 2% of total district enrollment through June 30, 2016; authorizes oversight fee not exceeding 2% of per-pupil tuition funding; and requires State Board to compile charter school evaluations every 2 years instead of annually.