(AP) — A Nebraska lawmaker is continuing his fight to bring charter schools to the state.

Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh of Omaha introduced a bill that would allow for the creation of up to five charter schools in the Omaha Public Schools district through a pilot program.

Charter schools are funded with public money but operate independently of a school board.

Lautenbaugh says these schools can adapt more easily to the needs of their students.

Nebraska is one of eight states that do not allow charter schools.

Sen. Tanya Cook of Omaha is a member of the Education Committee.

Cook says she has concerns that bringing charter schools to the state would be like giving up on the state’s public schools.