WBRZ - Baton Rouge

JACKSON, Miss. - Mississippi House members are giving approval to a bill to expand charter schools in the state.

It took until nearly 1 a.m. Thursday morning, but House members voted 64-55 to pass House Bill 369.

Supporters of the bill say the long debate was worth a measure they believe will set off a "revolution" in Mississippi's education system. But they acknowledge the bill still has obstacles before it reaches Gov. Phil Bryant's desk.

The Senate passed a broader bill last week, and the House and the Senate must agree on a version before it can go to Bryant. The Republican says he wants to sign an expanded charter law.

Charter schools are public schools that agree to meet certain standards in exchange for freedom from regulations.