Arizona commission on student outcomes
HB 2478 establishes the Arizona Commission on Student Outcomes to review the state's K-12 education system. The commission, composed of 10 appointed members including legislative leaders, education officials, and stakeholder representatives, will analyze school spending, identify outdated policies, examine teacher compensation barriers, and assess accountability systems. It must submit annual reports starting in 2027 and a final report in 2032 with recommendations to improve academic standards, assessments, graduation requirements, and school funding. The bill appropriates $1 million for the commission’s work and expires June 30, 2033. This directly affects Arizona’s public school system, educators, and students by shaping future education policy through evidence-based analysis.
Bill status
failed
2 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
House Failed
Feb 2026
Governor
Introduced Jan 20, 2026
Last action Feb 26, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Introduced Version
→
House Engrossed Version (02/26/2026)
·
4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was expanded to include two new commission members representing school administrators and teachers, broadening the group's perspective. The funding was increased from a one-time $1 million appropriation to a recurring $1 million per year for five years, and the commission's duties were expanded to include a specific study on trade pathways diplomas and an analysis of early childhood education programs.
Scope change
The commission's scope was broadened to include early childhood education review and a feasibility study on trade diplomas, and its membership was expanded to include representatives from teacher and administrator organizations.
MEMBERSHIP
Added two new members: one representing school district administrators appointed by the House minority leader, and one representing a public school teacher appointed by the Senate minority leader.
FISCAL
Changed the appropriation from a single $1,000,000 payment in 2026-2027 to $1,000,000 annually for each of the fiscal years 2026-2027 through 2030-2031.
REQUIREMENT
Added a new duty to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility of a trade pathways diploma program for high school students.
Added a new duty to review and analyze the adequacy of early childhood education programs and services in the state.
Floor votes · House Feb 26, 2026
How they voted
20–33
Failed · 7 other
Total votes 60
Feb 26, 2026
D
Democratic27
81% Nay
R
Republican33
60% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
3
Committee
0
Amendments
3
Feb 26, 2026
Vote failed
House Vote: fail (20-33-7)
house
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
DPA
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
DPA
lower
Feb 17, 2026
Lower · Passed
DPA
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Matt Gress
RRepublican
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