The proposed bill amends several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to school capital finance, specifically focusing on the funding and construction of new school facilities. Key changes include the introduction of a new requirement for school districts to submit a capital plan for renovations or replacements of existing facilities, which must detail the condition of the facility and any health or safety concerns. Additionally, the bill allows for the distribution of funds for renovating or replacing facilities that pose health or safety threats and are beyond their useful life, contingent upon specific assessments and legislative appropriations.

The bill also modifies the existing framework for funding by establishing clearer guidelines for partnerships between school districts and other parties in financing school facilities. It specifies that if a school district acquires land through donation and builds a facility, they will receive a percentage of the land's fair market value, while also clarifying that certain projects receiving funding from the new school facilities fund will not be eligible for the building renewal grant fund. Furthermore, the bill introduces new criteria for assessing the need for renovations or replacements, emphasizing the importance of compliance with minimum adequacy standards and the condition of existing facilities. The act is set to take effect after December 31, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-342, 41-5702, 41-5711, 41-5731, 41-5741, 38-621, 38-624, 15-341, 15-491, 15-213.01, 15-701, 15-701.01, 11-952, 15-213, 15-789, 15-841, 15-949, 41-5701.02, 15-481, 41-1750, 15-1105, 15-1143, 15-1142, 15-746, 9-500.05, 11-1101, 15-154, 15-901, 15-158, 15-119, 41-5721, 15-995, 15-905, 28-8461, 41-791.01, 41-1092, 15-203, 35-190