This bill proposes several updates to current statutes regarding special education services for students with disabilities. Specifically, it allows an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine that a student may continue to receive special education and related services until the end of the school year in which they turn 22 years old. Additionally, it prohibits school districts from requiring students to graduate before the graduation date set by their IEP team. The bill also prevents the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) from penalizing schools for providing special education services beyond the traditional four-year high school period if the IEP extends the graduation date.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that students who graduate in their fifth, sixth, or seventh year be counted equally with those who graduate in their fourth year when determining a school's annual achievement profile. It includes technical and conforming changes to existing statutes and will take effect on the general effective date. Overall, these changes aim to enhance educational support for students with disabilities and ensure they receive the necessary services without financial penalties to their schools.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-241, 15-764, 15-977, 15-741, 15-741.02, 15-756, 15-756.05, 15-761, 15-746, 15-808, 42-5029, 42-5029.02
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-241, 15-764, 15-977, 15-741, 15-741.02, 15-756, 15-756.05, 15-761, 15-746, 15-808, 42-5029, 42-5029.02