appropriation; ESA administration

HB 2499 appropriates $2.6 million and 12 full-time equivalent positions from Arizona's general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Department of Education. This funding specifically supports the administration of the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which provides state-funded scholarships to students. The bill designates this as ongoing funding intended for future years, ensuring continued operational support for the program. The measure directly affects the Department of Education (as the administrator) and the ESA program's beneficiaries.