(RALEIGH) -- North Carolina House Democrats are backing a new bill that would lift the cap on charter schools. Bill co-sponsor Rep. Rick Glazier, D-Cumberland, said the proposal eliminates the current limit of 100 charters while addressing many concerns regarding oversight.

Glazier said there are many concerns with a GOP charter proposal. "Rarely has a bill passed from one body to the other so torn from its moorings and so lit up with every provision a singular special interest group has sought at public expense," said Glazier.

A bill that’s currently in the House Education Committee would give an independent commission a significant amount of authority to approve new charters and set operation guidelines for the schools. The Republican-backed initiative, which already passed the Senate last week, also exempts charter schools from providing transportation or meals to low-income students.
 
Democrats said they’re optimistic the bill will be heard in committee. However, legislative leaders said Democrats are prepared to offer amendments that reflect provisions included the alternative charter bill.