postsecondary institutions; free expression; policies

This bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes to grant the Arizona Board of Regents expanded authority to set tuition rates and fees for public universities. It establishes a new rule that undergraduate students who complete at least 145 credit hours will face higher tuition rates, while also creating specific exceptions for transfer students, those pursuing multiple degrees, and veterans. The legislation requires the Board to hold public hearings before approving tuition increases and mandates that revenue from these higher fees be kept in separate accounts for each university rather than being used to support alumni associations. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of a veteran for admission purposes and ensures that prior failing grades do not disqualify them from guaranteed admission policies.