How a transformative change in charter school rules came back from the dead and became Florida law

""I was crushed," she said in an interview. "I am crushed.""

""It was a last-minute switcheroo. We on the House side (of the Capitol) definitely under the impression it was done, it was over, it wasn't going anywhere. It had been defeated. It came back as a surprise,""

""I urge everyone to vote 'no' on this. Send it back and let's work on language and really work on the schools that need help," Bartleman said during the final House debate, late at night on the last day of the session. "This is a sin. Please vote 'no.'""

A new Florida law permits select charter school operators to establish programs rent-free within traditional public school buildings. Democratic lawmakers, including former educators, criticized both the policy and the process used to pass it, saying the measure was resurrected late on the final night of the legislative session. Opponents described the move as a last-minute switch and warned of major impacts on traditional public schools. The Republican majority, supportive of private-sector school alternatives and opposed to teacher unions, advanced the legislation and secured an overwhelming vote in favor of the bill.

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