AUGUSTA — A bill moving forward in the Legislature would place a moratorium on virtual charter schools in Maine until next year.

The bill before the Democratic-controlled Legislature directs the state to develop a plan to provide all public schools in the state access to online learning, including a possible state-run virtual academy.

There are two current proposals for virtual charter schools in Maine.

The measure is expected to be debated and voted on in the House and Senate in the coming days.

The bill has supporters on both sides of the debate. Critics of virtual charter schools like the idea of a moratorium while supporters of online learning like the fact that the state would expand it.