SB 1288 modifies Arizona's process for issuing "certificates of assured water supply" needed for development projects. It allows the director to accept groundwater analyses or availability determinations made before May 31, 2023, as valid proof of water supply, after adjusting for existing certificates. Developers applying for these certificates must submit a sworn statement agreeing to reduce the reserved groundwater volume by 15% after approval. The bill ensures consistency by requiring certificates to use the same water usage estimates in place when the original analysis was issued, directly affecting developers and water providers managing groundwater rights.
HB 2602 allocates $24.5 million from Arizona's state general fund to provide a 10% pay increase for all employees of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) during fiscal year 2026-2027. This funding directly affects all DPS staff, including officers, support personnel, and other department employees, by raising their base salaries. The bill specifies that the funds are solely for this pay adjustment with no additional requirements or conditions.
HB 2233 requires Arizona's administration to annually report to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee on how federal funds from the Rural Health Transformation Program are being used and distributed. This bill directly affects the state's management of these specific federal health funds, ensuring transparency for legislative oversight. The key mechanism is an annual reporting requirement, mandating the administration provide detailed information to the committee about fund allocation and usage. The bill does not change the program's funding or eligibility but adds a review process for accountability.
HB 2572 modifies Arizona law to expand in-state tuition eligibility for certain students. It allows nonimmigrant aliens (excluding those covered under 8 U.S. Code § 1101(a)(15)) who attended Arizona high school for two years and graduated locally (including homeschoolers) to qualify for in-state rates at Arizona public universities and community colleges. This includes students without lawful immigration status who meet the residency requirements. The bill requires a three-fourths legislative vote for enactment under Arizona's Constitution.
HB 2658 repeals Section 15-901.06 of Arizona law, which authorized online dropout recovery programs for students who left school. This ends the specific provision allowing virtual options in these programs, directly affecting students enrolled in Arizona's dropout recovery initiatives who previously could access online courses. The bill also amends related virtual school assessment rules (Section 15-808.01), but the core action is removing the online program authorization. It does not create new requirements but eliminates a specific pathway for virtual dropout recovery services.
HB 2491 modifies Arizona's corporate tax calculation method for businesses operating across state lines. It changes how taxable income is apportioned between states, gradually shifting from a formula balancing property, payroll, and sales factors to using *only* the sales factor for most businesses starting in 2016 (through 2026). This directly affects corporations with operations in multiple states, as it increases the weight of sales activity within Arizona for tax purposes. The bill specifies different calculation formulas for various time periods, with the 2016-2026 period requiring businesses to use the sales factor alone to determine Arizona tax liability.
HB 2479 requires Arizona public school districts and charter schools to ensure at least one K-3 teacher per school has dyslexia training and to develop annual reading improvement plans. It mandates that teachers without a literacy endorsement must obtain one, with funding from the K-3 reading support level weight tied to approved plans focused on improving early reading proficiency. The bill directs schools to use allocated funds exclusively for evidence-based reading instruction, teacher training, and curriculum support for K-3 students. The Department of Education must monitor compliance, review plans, and report annually on reading outcomes and program effectiveness.
HB 2672 requires Arizona school districts to hold a voter-approved election (an "override") if their proposed budget exceeds the state's budget limit, and mandates detailed public disclosure about the financial impact of the increase. The bill requires districts to prepare an alternate budget without the excess increase and distribute an informational pamphlet at least 35 days before the election, including the current and proposed budgets, funding sources (tax vs. non-tax), and estimated tax effects for different property types (e.g., owner-occupied homes at various valuations). The pamphlet must also include up to 10 verified written arguments for and against the increase, submitted with signed, sworn statements, while the county superintendent reviews factual accuracy but not opinions. This directly affects school districts seeking budget increases and residents who vote on these proposals.
HB 2659 repeals two Arizona statutes (Sections 15-796 and 15-901) that previously governed alternative education programs and instructional time models. Specifically, it removes provisions allowing alternative schools to deliver required instructional time on any day, enroll students without withdrawal forms (if verified), and continue funding for students incorrectly coded as graduates. This bill directly affects school districts and alternative education programs by eliminating these specific enrollment and funding mechanisms. The repeal is procedural and does not create new policies or change existing requirements for student instruction or accountability.
HB 2770 establishes a home confinement program for eligible Arizona inmates, allowing them to serve sentences at home under electronic monitoring instead of in prison. It applies to inmates who have served at least one year of their sentence, committed specific non-violent felonies (like certain class 4-6 offenses), and meet other criteria like no violent history or active warrants. Key provisions require electronic monitoring, victim notification and feedback before approval, a monthly supervision fee (with ability to waive based on inability to pay), and a 1:50 officer-to-participant ratio. The program phases in starting December 2026 based on remaining sentence time, directly affecting qualifying inmates, victims, and corrections staff managing the program.
HB 2826 amends Arizona's tax code to expand tax deductions for prime contractors (construction businesses) by adding specific exemptions to their taxable income calculation. It directly affects contractors working on projects like environmental cleanup, groundwater monitoring devices (required under water law), and manufacturing facilities for environmental technology. Key provisions include deducting 65% of gross income for qualifying work, such as hazardous substance remediation, installation of irrigation-related groundwater devices, and construction of qualified environmental manufacturing facilities. The bill also creates a new deduction for machinery/equipment work with "independent functional utility," excluding real property modifications.
HB 2635 sets standards for Arizona online schools and course providers, focusing on curriculum quality, student safety, and teacher qualifications - not full-day kindergarten as the title suggests. It requires online schools to meet specific criteria (like filtered internet access, virtual learning tools, and partnerships with educational institutions) and mandates probationary status for new programs until academic improvements are proven. The bill also establishes rules for calculating average daily membership (ADM) and funding: full-time online students receive 95% of standard funding, while part-time students receive 85%, with strict limits on how attendance hours can be counted across traditional and online programs. These provisions directly affect Arizona public schools, charter schools, and online education providers participating in the state’s virtual learning programs.
