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.
Sen. Eva Diaz
Sponsored bills
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.
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.