The proposed bill seeks to update current Arizona statutes regarding K-12 education by introducing several significant changes. It would increase the base level for FY 2026 from $5,013.00 to $5,113.26 and adjust the charter additional assistance amount per student for FY 2026. Additionally, the bill would require the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to conduct an annual comprehensive study on teacher retention rates and mandate the inclusion of specific data in school district budgets regarding full-time equivalent teachers. Furthermore, it would establish the Ninth Grade On-Track Grant Program to support ninth-grade students in completing necessary credits for graduation, including provisions for grant applications, evaluations, and funding caps. Moreover, the bill would transfer oversight of the School Financial Transparency Portal from the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) to the ADE and set requirements for public schools to provide automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at campuses and athletic events. It mandates that starting August 1, 2026, all public high schools with athletic teams must have AEDs readily accessible and maintained. The bill also allows for donations to support AED purchases and maintenance, while requiring annual studies on teacher retention rates and vacancies. Overall, these updates aim to enhance educational funding, support mechanisms, and safety measures in Arizona schools.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-120.07, 15-185, 15-189.05, 15-501.02, 15-747, 15-901, 15-903, 15-945, 41-1276, 36-2261, 15-943, 15-941, 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 15-1042, 15-855, 15-973, 15-823, 15-308, 15-183, 15-512, 42-5029, 42-5029.02, 37-521, 15-792.02, 15-501.01, 15-901.08, 15-808, 15-447.01, 15-797, 15-816.01, 15-761, 15-902.04, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026, 15-944, 15-765, 15-751, 15-752, 15-753, 15-501, 15-771, 15-971, 15-946, 15-482, 15-481, 15-915, 15-881, 15-925
House Engrossed Version: 15-120.07, 15-185, 15-189.05, 15-501.02, 15-747, 15-901, 15-903, 15-945, 41-1276, 36-2261, 15-943, 15-941, 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 15-1042, 15-855, 15-973, 15-823, 15-308, 15-183, 15-512, 42-5029, 42-5029.02, 37-521, 15-792.02, 15-501.01, 15-901.08, 15-808, 15-447.01, 15-797, 15-816.01, 15-761, 15-902.04, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026, 15-944, 15-765, 15-751, 15-752, 15-753, 15-501, 15-771, 15-971, 15-946, 15-482, 15-481, 15-915, 15-881, 15-925