This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts. It introduces new requirements for qualified schools and service providers receiving funds from these accounts, including prohibitions on sharing or rebating scholarship funds and mandates for compliance with financial reporting and performance standards. Specifically, it establishes minimum financial performance requirements for qualified schools, ensuring they provide data similar to that required from school districts and charter schools. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of a financial transparency portal and outlines a systematic review process for the program, including audits and public hearings to assess its effectiveness and need.

The bill also modifies existing provisions related to the withdrawal of students from school districts or charter schools before enrolling in the scholarship program, clarifying that any withdrawal is necessary before receiving funds. It enhances the department's responsibilities in monitoring compliance and ensuring that individuals providing educational services are not subject to disciplinary actions. Furthermore, it requires the department to develop a handbook and conduct regular program reviews, including audits by the auditor general to evaluate the program's management and financial practices. Overall, these changes aim to improve accountability and transparency in the administration of Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-2402, 15-2403, 15-2407, 41-1279.03, 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, 93-380, 15-914, 13-2310, 41-2954, 41-2952