Atlanta, GA (AP) - The state Legislature has approved a funding system for Georgia charter schools created by the state.

House Bill 797 gained final passage Thursday in the waning hours of the legislative session. It now goes to the governor's desk for approval.

Voters will decide in November whether to change the Georgia Constitution so state officials can create charter schools over the objection of local districts. Lawmakers voted to allow that referendum after a long-running debate at the statehouse this year.

The measure will clarify state law after a May ruling by the state Supreme Court that outlawed the Georgia Charter Schools Commission. The bill that passed Thursday is the "enabling" legislation that would re-establish the charter schools commission if voters approve the constitutional amendment.

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Online:

http://www.legis.ga.gov