This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts. It modifies the requirement for qualified students to withdraw from any school district or charter school before enrolling in the scholarship program, ensuring that this applies only if they have not received any funds from the account. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Education remove individuals subject to disciplinary action from platforms used for purchasing educational services, and introduces new stipulations that prohibit the sale of items purchased with scholarship funds while the student is enrolled in the program, as well as requiring prior approval for transactions exceeding $500.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that scholarship funds cannot be used for luxury goods or services and outlines specific requirements for qualified schools receiving these funds. Schools must notify parents of prospective students about the special education services they will provide before any tuition payments are made and must comply with individualized education programs unless a waiver is provided. The bill also clarifies the definition of "luxury goods or services" and requires the Department to review reimbursement requests to ensure they align with allowable expenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-2402, 15-2403, 15-766, 15-2401, 15-505, 15-534.04, 28-9551, 15-802, 15-185, 15-943, 35-190, 2020-2021, 35-113, 15-2401.01, 15-2404