RALEIGH, N.C. -- House Bill 514 has been passed by the State House. 

• Four Charlotte-area cities and towns will be allowed to create their own charter schools.
• As it is a local bill, it does not need the governor's signature. 
• PREVIOUSLY REPORTED: UNCC Professor: HB514 could re-segregate school system

The law would allow the towns of Matthews, Mint Hill, Cornelius and Huntersville to create their own charter schools and the state's budget would allow towns to use property taxes for public education.

Opponents say the measure sets a precedent for other towns to seek the same authority and will exacerbate racial segregation in classrooms.

Since it's a local bill, it doesn't need the Gov. Roy Cooper's signature. 

Rep. Bill Brawley introduced the bill last year for the towns of Matthews and Mint Hill.

Earlier this year, towns of Huntersville and Cornelius asked to join the bill and were subsequently added to the legislation.