Proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the establishment of subsystems for the statewide system of public schools for charter schools.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE X, SECTION 1 OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATURE TO ESTABLISH SUBSYSTEMS FOR THE STATE'S SINGLE STATEWIDE SYSTEM OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to propose an amendment to article X, section 1 of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, to authorize the legislature to establish subsystems for the State's single statewide system of public schools so that it may establish a subsystem consisting of some or all of the State's public charter schools and further the ability of the State's public charter schools to provide alternative learning environments distinct from the department of education and the public schools that the department establishes and maintains.

SECTION 2. Article X, section 1 of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii is amended to read as follows:

"PUBLIC EDUCATION

Section 1. The State shall provide for the establishment, support and control of a statewide system of public schools free from sectarian control, a state university, public libraries and such other educational institutions as may be deemed desirable, including physical facilities therefor. The single statewide system of public schools may be divided into subsystems as may be provided by law, including a subsystem consisting of some or all of the State's public charter schools.

There shall be no discrimination in public educational institutions because of race, religion, sex or ancestry; nor shall public funds be appropriated for the support or benefits of any sectarian or nonsectarian private educational institution, except that proceeds of special purpose revenue bonds authorized or issued under section 12 of Article VII may be appropriated to finance or assist:

1. Not-for-profit corporations that provide early childhood education and care facilities serving the general public; and

2. Not-for-profit private nonsectarian and sectarian elementary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities."

SECTION 3. The question to be printed on the ballot shall be as follows:

"Shall the Legislature be authorized to divide the State's single statewide system of public schools into subsystems, including a subsystem consisting of some or all of the State's public charter schools?"

SECTION 4. Constitutional material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New constitutional material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This amendment to the Constitution of the State of Hawaii shall take effect upon compliance with Article XVII, section 3, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.