This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts. It removes the stipulation that the scholarship account must be allocated according to a quarterly transfer schedule, allowing for monthly transfers instead. Additionally, it modifies the requirement for students to withdraw from their current school before enrolling in the scholarship program, clarifying that any school district or charter school withdrawal is necessary. The bill also introduces new provisions that require qualified schools to report their graduation rates and excessive absences, as well as to notify parents about the educational services provided to prospective students before tuition payment.

Furthermore, the bill enhances accountability by ensuring that individuals providing tutoring or teaching services are not subject to disciplinary action by the state board of education. It mandates that the department remove any such individuals from platforms used for purchasing educational services with scholarship account funds. The bill also specifies that if a qualified student has an individualized education program or section 504 plan, the school must provide the required accommodations unless waived by the parent or student. Lastly, it clarifies the funding process for independent educational evaluations, allowing these to be paid from the scholarship account, with provisions for the school district to cover costs if necessary.

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, 15-241