ESAs; children with disabilities; requirements

SB 1704 expands Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program to specifically allow funds to cover education-related expenses for children with disabilities meeting certain criteria. It directly affects qualifying students with disabilities by permitting ESA funds to pay for services like licensed educational therapies, paraprofessionals, assistive technology, vocational training, and specialized evaluations. Key provisions include defining eligible expenses (such as therapy costs, assistive devices, and vocational education) and requiring annual education plans for students nearing age 22 to continue receiving funds. The bill does not change general ESA rules but adds targeted support for disability-related educational needs.