The proposed bill would update current statutes governing higher education in Arizona by introducing new provisions and modifying existing ones. Specifically, it would insert language that prohibits public universities from using any funds to subsidize tuition for students not lawfully present in the United States. Additionally, it mandates that resident undergraduate tuition rates for fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028 be set at 2.5% lower than those of FY 2025, without imposing additional charges. The bill also raises the cap on the Arizona Board of Regents' lease-to-own and bond transactions from $800 million to $1.125 billion and establishes new project approval requirements by the Joint Committee on Capital Review.

Furthermore, the bill expands the Arizona Teachers Academy to include private postsecondary institutions and modifies scholarship fund provisions, including retroactive investment requirements and adjustments to eligibility criteria. It delays the repeal of the Spouses and Dependents of Law Enforcement Officers Tuition Scholarship Fund and redefines eligibility for the LEO Scholarship Fund. Overall, the bill aims to enhance governance, financial accountability, and educational access while ensuring that the management of scholarship funds is clear and effective.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-1626, 15-1650.06, 15-1655, 15-1682.03, 15-1809, 15-1625, 35-115, 15-701.01, 15-1696, 15-1747, 35-190, 35-313, 32-2201, 15-1281, 5-572, 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2026-2027, 2027-2028, 2028-2029, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 15-1682.01, 15-1683
House Engrossed Version: 15-1626, 15-1650.06, 15-1655, 15-1682.03, 15-1809, 15-1625, 35-115, 15-701.01, 15-1696, 15-1747, 35-190, 35-313, 32-2201, 15-1281, 5-572, 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2026-2027, 2010-2011, 2011-2012