HB 4163 updates the financial rules for specific charter schools in Arizona that are sponsored by state agencies, universities, or community colleges. The bill clarifies that school districts are not financially responsible for these schools and establishes new methods for calculating their funding based on student counts and enrollment data. It also prevents double-counting of students who are enrolled in both a charter school and a traditional public school by ensuring their total daily membership does not exceed one. Additionally, the legislation requires that if a charter school receives federal or state grants for basic operations, its state funding must be reduced by the same amount to avoid taxpayer duplication.
This bill updates the administrative powers of the Arizona Board of Regents to govern the state's public universities for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It authorizes the board to set tuition and fees based on student residency and enrollment status, while establishing a separate fund for tuition revenue that cannot be used to support alumni associations. The legislation also mandates public hearings and roll call votes for any tuition increases, ensures guaranteed admission for veterans, and requires the board to submit annual budget requests that include projected tuition revenue.
SB 1004 allows Arizona students using Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) to participate in school district sports and activities on the same terms as enrolled students. School districts must apply identical eligibility rules, fees (capped at the student’s pro rata share of costs), and academic requirements - such as passing grades and progress - to ESA students as they do for enrolled students. The bill prohibits districts from charging ESA students more than their fair share of activity costs or contracting with organizations that exclude ESA students. It also bars ESA students from participating if they were enrolled in district schools, multiple private schools, or a private school offering the activity during the same school year.
SB 1424 requires Arizona public schools to provide annual, age-appropriate firearm safety instruction to students in kindergarten through 12th grade starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The instruction must focus solely on accident prevention and personal safety - covering safe storage, actions to take if encountering a firearm, and risks of unsafe handling - while explicitly prohibiting live firearms, ammunition, or any training on firearm use. The Arizona Department of Education will develop neutral, fact-based instructional materials in collaboration with public safety agencies, and schools must make all materials available for parental review. The bill does not regulate firearm ownership or possession, nor does it promote or discourage firearm ownership.
SB 1009 requires Arizona high schools to provide all students with mandatory training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use during high school. The training must be age-appropriate, based on current national guidelines, and include hands-on practice (except for online students). Schools may accept donations for materials and must allow exemptions for students with parental consent, prior certification, or individualized education program accommodations. This policy directly affects all Arizona public high school students and mandates training through certified providers like EMTs, Red Cross representatives, or school staff.
This bill proposes changes to Arizona's higher education funding for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It allows the state to match less than one dollar for every dollar collected from student registration fee surcharges and sets the specific amounts for state aid to community colleges for STEM and workforce programs. Additionally, it defines the limits for general operating state aid provided to community college districts. The legislation was vetoed by the Governor on May 5, 2026.
This bill amends Arizona state law to clarify how public funds are distributed to charter schools sponsored by state agencies, universities, or community colleges. It establishes specific rules for calculating financial support, including adjustments for small schools and provisions to prevent double-counting funds if a student is enrolled in both a charter and a traditional public school. Additionally, the legislation requires these schools to revise their student counts and budgets by mid-May and ensures that any grants received for basic operations reduce the state's financial contribution to avoid taxpayer duplication.
SB 1413 amends Arizona law to clarify and update the existing veterans' tuition deferment program. It allows eligible veterans to defer payment for tuition, fees, and required books/materials for up to 120 days while awaiting federal VA education benefits, requiring only a no-interest promissory note. If VA benefits haven't arrived by the 120-day deadline, the deferment may be extended until benefits are received. Colleges may withhold grades or transfer credits until the deferred amount is paid. This bill directly affects veterans enrolled in Arizona state colleges or universities who are waiting for VA benefit disbursements.
HB 2033 requires Arizona's state board of education to implement uniform statewide assessments in reading, writing, and math for at least four grades annually, while prohibiting assessments that promote sectarian or partisan views. It mandates collecting specific nontest data (like graduation/dropout rates by ethnicity) through surveys of school staff, with strict privacy protections under FERPA. The bill allows students to opt out of district assessments if they provide scores from nationally recognized tests (e.g., SAT, ACT) before testing begins. Additionally, it permits written tests for students with IEPs/504 plans, religious accommodations, or parent requests. This directly affects public schools, students, and educators by standardizing testing requirements and data collection.
This bill allows Arizona to participate in a federal tax credit program, enabling individuals to claim a credit for contributions to qualified scholarship organizations. Starting in 2027, certified Arizona scholarship groups can provide funds for elementary and secondary education expenses, such as tuition or materials, under federal law. The state’s Department of Education must certify these organizations, maintain a public list of them, and submit annual reports to the federal government to maintain eligibility. The bill does not create new scholarships but aligns Arizona with existing federal tax incentives for education-related donations.
