Maddy summarySB 1136 requires Arizona school districts to conduct background checks via fingerprinting for noncertificated personnel (like volunteers, contractors, or aides working directly with students without a certified employee supervising them). It mandates that these individuals disclose specific criminal offenses - such as sexual abuse, violence, drug offenses, or crimes against children - on a form, and school districts may deny employment or terminate staff based on these disclosures. The bill also requires districts to cover fingerprinting costs (except for unpaid personnel), establishes a "fingerprint fund" for related expenses, and permits sharing background check results between school districts. This applies directly to school staff who interact with students unsupervised, not to parents, guardians, or certificated employees.
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Maddy summarySB 1137 sets July 1, 2033, as the termination date for Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) program, which provides state-funded scholarships for private school tuition and educational expenses. The bill mandates a comprehensive program review and performance audit to be completed by October 1, 2032, assessing the program's effectiveness, management efficiency, and whether it meets its original goals. This review includes a draft report for the administering department to comment on, a public hearing, and an audit of program outcomes by the state auditor. The legislature must pass and the governor must sign a continuation bill before July 1, 2033, for the program to continue; otherwise, it ends on that date. The law governing the program will be repealed after December 31, 2033.
Maddy summarySB 1138 establishes a school safety program in Arizona that provides state funding for school districts and charter schools to hire school psychologists, counselors, and social workers. Schools applying for this funding must submit detailed proposals describing safety needs, outlining how they'll implement counseling programs with community partnerships, and including parent communication plans and confidentiality policies. The program requires schools to evaluate the effectiveness of their counseling services and report annually to state officials. This directly affects Arizona public schools seeking mental health support staff, focusing on creating safer learning environments through counseling resources rather than security personnel. The bill mandates specific program requirements and annual reporting to ensure accountability for funded mental health services.
Maddy summarySB 1139 sets new requirements for staff at Arizona schools participating in the state’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program. It mandates that all personnel providing academic instruction must have either a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, three years of teaching experience, or specialized subject-matter expertise. The bill specifically applies to schools accepting ESA payments, affecting both paid employees and certain non-employee instructors directly teaching students. It does not alter existing requirements for public schools but adds these standards for ESA-participating schools.
Maddy summarySB 1140 establishes Arizona's "Homeless Recovery Telehealth Pilot Program," creating a public-private partnership to provide telehealth services for homeless individuals with mental health or addiction needs. The program requires the state health department to select a single telehealth provider via competitive bidding to set up access points in shelters and healthcare facilities, track patient outcomes, and maintain secure data. Key provisions include requiring the provider to share 5-10% of annual revenue with the state, creating a statewide homeless census, and developing personalized recovery plans. The $10 million state appropriation (fiscal year 2025-2026) funds the five-year pilot, which will be evaluated for potential expansion by 2033.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the powers and duties of the Arizona Department of Health Services director, specifically expanding authority to inspect premises and vehicles for health violations. It allows the director to enter a wider range of locations, including restaurants and factories, to enforce health laws and requires public hearings before leasing state hospital property to third parties. Additionally, the legislation grants the director flexibility to delegate certain functions to local health agencies and establish emergency measures for controlling infectious diseases. The changes aim to streamline public health enforcement and improve the management of state hospital assets without altering the core structure of the department.
Maddy summaryThis Arizona bill requires the state Department of Education to create guidelines and resources for teaching digital citizenship and media literacy by January 15, 2025. It establishes an advisory committee made up of teachers, parents, librarians, and experts to help develop these practices and recommend updates to state academic standards. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, school districts and charter schools must annually review and update their own policies on internet safety and media literacy by consulting with parents, staff, and students. The legislation defines digital citizenship as responsible behavior online and media literacy as the ability to critically analyze and use various forms of media.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public and private schools in Arizona with students in grades six through twelve that sponsor athletic teams to provide an automated external defibrillator at every campus and event. To ensure quick access, the law mandates that these devices be unlocked, clearly signed, and retrievable within three minutes, while also requiring coaches to complete state-approved training in CPR and first aid. Additionally, schools must create written cardiac emergency response plans in consultation with local emergency medical services, detailing specific roles, equipment locations, and procedures for handling medical emergencies during the school day or at sports events. The legislation allows schools to accept donations to help cover the costs of these devices and training, and it directs state funds to assist schools with higher numbers of low-income students in purchasing necessary equipment.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a tuition waiver scholarship for Arizona residents who are or were in foster care after turning fourteen, as well as those adopted from foster care after that age. To qualify, students must be under twenty-three, have less than $10,000 in personal assets, be enrolled in an accredited program, and complete at least thirty hours of volunteer service annually after their first year of receiving the award. The scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees at Arizona universities and community colleges, with provisions to ensure tribal members receive the same benefits and to extend funding if a student leaves school before graduating.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the existence of the board of directors for the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind until July 1, 2033, ensuring continued oversight for sensory-impaired children. It achieves this by repealing a previous statute that would have ended the board's term earlier and adding a new provision that sets the specific termination date and outlines when related laws will be removed. The legislation also includes a statement of purpose confirming that the legislature intends to maintain adequate educational opportunities for these students during this extended period.