Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012

ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia GOP lawmakers are trying to rally support as they prepare for another House vote on a constitutional amendment that would let the state create charter schools.

A bill introduced Tuesday outlines a formula to ensure charter schools receive adequate funding -- but not by siphoning money away from local school districts. The legislation is part of a campaign to win votes for the proposed constitutional amendment, which goes before the House on Wednesday.

A House vote earlier this month failed to get the required two-thirds majority approval.

The amendment would clarify state law after a May ruling from the state Supreme Court outlawed the Georgia Charter Schools Commission. The court ruled that the commission was illegally creating charter schools over the objection of school districts.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)