SB1354 introduces new requirements for qualified schools that accept payments from Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs), specifically for students with disabilities. Under the proposed bill, these schools must notify parents of prospective students with disabilities, in writing, about the special education services and educational therapies they will provide before the parents pay any tuition or fees from an ESA. Additionally, if a student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan, the school must provide all required accommodations and services unless waived in writing by the parent or qualified student.

The bill also allows a student to transfer out of a qualified school if the school fails to provide the necessary accommodations and services or obtain a written waiver. In such cases, the student is entitled to a refund for the portion of the school year for which they paid tuition and fees but did not attend the school. The notification requirement is not necessary for subsequent years of enrollment at the same qualified school. These provisions amend section 15-2404 of the Arizona Revised Statutes and clarify that the chapter does not permit any government agency to control or supervise nonpublic schools or homeschools, except as provided in the specified sections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-2404