Sen. Juan Mendez

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 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 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.