The bill SB1346 appropriates $400,000 from the state General Fund for fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) for the purpose of distributing funds to public schools for planting low-biogenic volatile organic compound-emitting trees on their campuses. The bill specifies that the trees must be suitable for each school's respective climate.
Additionally, the bill outlines a distribution process where, until December 31, 2024, funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to schools where at least 75% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Any remaining funds after this date will then be available to all public schools. The ADE is authorized to require recipient schools to report on the use of the funds and allows schools to partner with nonprofit organizations for tree planting. Furthermore, the appropriation is exempt from lapsing provisions, ensuring the funds remain available for their intended purpose.