The bill SB1185 proposes to amend Arizona Revised Statutes section 15-823 by removing the existing limit on the number of nonresident foreign students with J-1 visas that school districts can admit without tuition payment. Currently, the number of J-1 visa students that can be admitted is restricted to the number of resident students participating in foreign exchange programs. The new bill allows for an unlimited number of J-1 visa students to be admitted starting in the 2023-2024 school year.

Additionally, the bill enables school districts and charter schools to include these J-1 visa students in their student count for state funding purposes, which was not permitted under the current law. This change is expected to increase state funding costs, with estimates suggesting an additional $2.6 million in Basic State Aid costs for FY 2024. The bill also includes technical and conforming changes and will take effect on the general effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-823
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-823