HB2824 is a bill that mandates the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to create a community service commendation for students who complete at least 200 hours of community service in accordance with the guidelines set by the State Board of Education (SBE). The bill also requires the ADE to establish a process for students to apply for this commendation. Additionally, the bill clarifies that community service for the purposes of the commendation does not include activities intended to influence an election.

The bill includes amendments to the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding section 15-249.19 and amending section 15-341. It prescribes criteria and policies for students to apply for the commendation and specifies that the act applies retroactively from December 31, 2023. The current law encourages high school students to volunteer for 20 hours of community service before graduation, but does not provide for a commendation system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-249.19, 15-341, 15-203
House Engrossed Version: 15-249.19, 15-341, 15-203, 16-192