Charter schools; Oklahoma Charter Schools Act; definitions; sponsors may operate charter schools; sectarian and religious institutions as sponsors; effective date.

This bill allows religious organizations and sectarian institutions to sponsor charter schools in Oklahoma, removing previous restrictions. It updates definitions to clarify that charter schools (effective July 1, 2024) can be operated by public or private entities under contracts with school districts, higher education institutions, or the Statewide Charter School Board. New training requirements for applicants and sponsors will be implemented, and the Statewide Charter School Board must publish a list of approved online courses. The bill maintains existing rules for converting traditional public schools to charter schools but prohibits converting schools to virtual charter status.