HB 2477 updates definitions for Arizona's AZ529 education savings plan to align with federal tax rules. It clarifies that qualified expenses now include computer equipment, software, and apprenticeship program costs (registered under federal law) for beneficiaries. The bill also expands the definition of "member of the family" to include more relatives and specifies limits on education loan repayment withdrawals. This is a procedural revision to the plan's rules, not a new benefit or eligibility change.
SB 1422 extends the Credit Enhancement Eligibility Board, which helps Arizona public schools secure more favorable financing terms, until July 1, 2036. The bill sets a clear timeline for the board's termination and the eventual repeal of related statutes (Title 41, Chapter 56, Articles 10 and 11), requiring all program funding obligations and guaranteed financings to be settled by January 1, 2037, before repeal. If obligations remain unresolved, the statutes will be repealed 30 days after settlement. The bill applies retroactively to July 1, 2026, to maintain continuity in the program.
HB 4043 requires Arizona public schools serving grades 9-12 to provide automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at all campuses and school-sponsored athletic events starting August 1, 2026. It also mandates that by August 1, 2027, each school must ensure at least one staff member completes annual training in CPR, first aid, and AED use. The bill specifies AEDs must be in unlocked, clearly marked, accessible locations that follow national emergency care guidelines and be maintained per manufacturer instructions. Schools may accept donations to fund AED purchases and maintenance, and the law defines "school-sponsored athletic event" to include practices, trainings, and competitions.
HB 4165 updates Arizona's education funding distribution rules for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and establishes a fee system to modernize the state's tax collection technology. The bill directs specific amounts of state revenue to schools, universities, community colleges, and tribal colleges for purposes such as basic aid, technology research, workforce development, and school safety. Additionally, it requires local governments and regional transportation authorities to pay fees to the Department of Revenue to cover the costs of upgrading the integrated tax system. If local entities fail to pay these fees by the deadline, the state will withhold future revenue distributions until the debt is satisfied.
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.
This proposed constitutional amendment (HCR 2044) would prohibit Arizona state and local governments from granting preferential treatment or discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, or contracting. It specifically bans requiring individuals to endorse race-based policies, spending public funds on offices promoting such policies, or implementing disciplinary actions based on race/ethnicity. The amendment directly affects public schools, universities, government agencies, and contractors operating under state authority. If approved by voters, it would become part of Arizona's Constitution, replacing existing antidiscrimination laws in these specific areas.
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.
HB 2764 establishes a voluntary Arizona state seal to recognize high school students who demonstrate computer science proficiency upon graduation. Participating public school districts or charter schools will add this seal to diplomas and note it on transcripts for students meeting state-set minimum requirements. The superintendent of public instruction will create the seal and collaborate with the state board of education to define the proficiency standards. This program affects only students in schools that choose to join, with no mandatory participation for districts or schools.
HB 2032 requires Arizona third graders to demonstrate sufficient reading skills on the statewide assessment to advance to fourth grade. If a student does not meet this standard, they may be retained, but only if test data is available and they haven't been retained before. The bill allows exceptions for English learners, students with special education needs (including dyslexia), or those showing progress through approved assessments. Schools must offer multiple evidence-based reading interventions, provide detailed parent notifications about reading deficiencies, and report retention and intervention data to the state education department. This bill directly affects third graders, Arizona public schools, and their parents.