The bill SB1742 introduces significant changes to higher education funding in Arizona, specifically establishing the Arizona Community Colleges Promise Program Fund. This fund will be administered by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) and will consist of legislative appropriations that are continuously appropriated and exempt from lapsing. Each community college district (CCD) is required to create a Community College Promise Scholarship Fund to provide financial assistance to eligible students, with specific guidelines for eligibility and the use of funds. The distribution of the Promise Program Fund will allocate 20% equally among all CCDs and 80% based on each district's full-time equivalent student enrollment.

Additionally, the bill repeals the Spouses and Dependents of Law Enforcement Officers Tuition Scholarship Fund effective July 1, 2025, transferring any remaining funds to the state General Fund. It also modifies provisions related to state aid for community college districts, allowing for a lower state match for funds raised through student registration fees and specifying that operating state aid and aid for STEM and workforce programs will be as outlined in the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act. Overall, the bill aims to enhance financial support for community college students while streamlining funding mechanisms.

Statutes affected:
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-1705