SB 1497: classical learning; tests; examinations - Arizona

Senate Engrossed Version (03/10/2026) → Chaptered Version · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was finalized into law (Chapter 231) after passing both legislative chambers. The most significant substantive change redefines 'self-insurance programs' for school districts, shifting the definition from requiring participation in a specific nonprofit health care pool to simply being programs funded by the school district, thereby broadening which programs qualify for exemptions. Minor formatting and punctuation adjustments were also made throughout the text.

Scope change

The scope of the exemption for self-insurance programs was expanded by removing the requirement that the program must be provided by a specific nonprofit corporation health care pool.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'self-insurance program' was changed to include any program established and funded by the school district, removing the previous mandate that it must be provided by a nonprofit corporation health care pool formed under section 11-952.01.

The definition of 'self-insurance program' was updated to clarify that it does not include a governing board's decision not to carry insurance on a particular risk.

REQUIREMENT

Subsections E and F, which listed specific requirements for nonprofit pool participation (such as having two network options and a specific administrator), were removed because they are no longer applicable to the new definition.

TECHNICAL

The document title was updated from 'Senate Engrossed' to 'House Engrossed' and 'Senate Bill' to reflect its status as Chapter 231.

House Engrossed Version (06/02/2026) → Senate Engrossed Version (03/10/2026) · 5 edits · Jun 11, 2026

MODERATE

This bill was revised to shift the focus from school districts self-insuring their own risks to participating in external nonprofit health care pools. The changes remove the ability for school districts to establish their own internal self-insurance programs and instead mandate participation in specific nonprofit pools with multiple network options. This transition aims to standardize coverage options and ensure administrative oversight through established nonprofit entities rather than individual school boards.

Scope change

The bill's applicability changed from allowing school districts to create their own self-insurance programs to requiring them to join external nonprofit health care pools that meet specific criteria.

ELIGIBILITY

Removed the authority for school district governing boards to establish and fund their own internal self-insurance programs.

Added an exemption clause stating that specific subsections do not apply if a school district participates in a qualifying nonprofit health care pool.

REQUIREMENT

Defined a qualifying self-insurance program as one provided by a nonprofit corporation health care pool formed under a specific state section.

Added a requirement that the qualifying nonprofit pool must offer at least two different network options for school district members.

DEFINITION

Added a requirement that the pool's administrator must be a nonprofit corporation formed under a specific state section.

Introduced Version → House Engrossed Version (06/02/2026) · 5 edits · Jun 11, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was completely rewritten to shift its focus from university governance and tuition administration to school district insurance management. The new version authorizes school districts to self-insure, establish pooling agreements, and mandates strict reporting requirements for insurers regarding claims data and pricing.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed entirely from regulating the Arizona Board of Regents and university tuition to regulating school district insurance programs and self-insurance.

SCOPE

All provisions regarding the Arizona Board of Regents, university tuition setting, and student credit hour thresholds were removed.

New authority was added allowing school district governing boards to establish self-insurance programs and enter into pooling agreements with other districts or trustees.

REQUIREMENT

New requirements mandate that school districts obtaining insurance quotes must solicit at least two providers every four years to ensure competitive pricing.

Strict reporting requirements were added, forcing insurers to provide detailed data on enrollment, claims, high-cost enrollees, and specific pharmacy pricing components.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'self-insurance program' was added to clarify that it includes programs funded wholly or partially by the district but excludes a simple decision not to carry insurance.

classical learning; tests; examinations

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