Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new financial reporting and audit requirements for qualified schools in Arizona that accept payments from parent empowerment scholarship accounts. While the legislation maintains that these schools cannot be forced to change their curriculum or practices to participate in the program, it mandates that they comply with specific financial transparency rules. The state board of education must develop minimum financial performance standards and reporting formats similar to those used for public school districts, and a financial transparency portal will be created to publish this data. Additionally, the bill clarifies that in legal challenges regarding the law's application, the state must prove the regulations are necessary and do not impose undue burdens on these schools.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1018 amends state law to update how the Arizona State Board of Equalization calculates spending limits for school districts and other political subdivisions. The bill requires the commission to determine these limits annually based on population growth and changes in the GDP price deflator, which measures inflation. It also provides specific formulas for setting limits in new cities, towns, or counties that are created or divided. By adjusting these calculations, the legislation ensures that spending caps reflect current economic conditions and demographic shifts rather than fixed historical figures.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Arizona's laws regarding English language education for students in public schools and charter schools. It would repeal existing statutes and replace them with new requirements for identifying students whose primary language is not English and assessing their proficiency through standardized tests. Under the new rules, schools must provide specific daily amounts of English language instruction based on the student's grade level and ensure access to research-based programs. Additionally, the bill grants parents the legal right to sue schools if they fail to provide the mandated quality of education, with provisions for attorney fees and damages. The state board of education would be responsible for adopting and approving specific instructional models that meet these new standards.