The proposed bill amends sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts, primarily focusing on the oversight and financial accountability of qualified schools that accept these scholarships. It clarifies that no government agency can control nonpublic schools or homeschools while introducing new requirements for qualified schools to comply with financial reporting and transparency standards. This includes adhering to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and providing data necessary to evaluate their financial stability and performance.

Additionally, the bill establishes an audit team within the office of the auditor general to monitor how scholarship funds are utilized in the classroom. Qualified schools must post their financial performance data on their websites and submit regular status reports on the implementation of audit recommendations. The auditor general will conduct random audits and review the schools' progress, ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of empowerment scholarship funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-2404, 41-1279.03, 15-2402, 15-914