Senate Sponsors: O'MALLEY. Short description: CHARTER SCHOOLS-REFERENDA Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Amends the Charter Schools Law in the School Code. Eliminates a provision that limits the number of resident pupils from the same grade in a school district with only one attendance center covering that grade that may be enrolled in a charter school at one time. Adds definitions. Eliminates limitations on the number of charter schools that may operate at any one time. Creates the Illinois Chartering Board with the authority, beginning March 1, 1998, to act upon proposals to establish or renew charter schools. Also provides that if a chartering agency (a local school board or the Illinois Chartering Board) denies a charter school proposal or revokes or denies renewal of an existing charter, the entities that initiate the charter school proposal or the governing body of the charter school may file a petition, signed by 5% or more of the registered voters of the school district in which the charter school is or is to be located, requiring submission to a referendum of a proposition to approve the charter school proposal or to rescind the revocation of or to renew the charter of the charter school. Provides that if a majority of those voting on the proposition vote in favor thereof, the proposition shall be deemed to have obtained local approval and, subject to the requisite certification by the State Board of Education that the charter school proposal or charter as sought to be renewed complies with applicable law, the charter school shall be established or the charter renewed for the length of the term provided in the charter, beginning with the first day of the next school year. Makes other related changes. Effective immediately. Last action on Bill: SESSION SINE DIE Last action date: 99-01-12 Location: Senate Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 0 SENATE - 0 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status