The proposed bill would update current statutes by introducing new provisions that prohibit public universities from using any funds to subsidize tuition for students not lawfully present in the U.S. It would also establish a temporary tuition rate reduction for resident undergraduate students, fixing rates at 2.5% lower than FY 2025 for the fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028, while preventing additional charges related to this reduction. Additionally, the bill would repeal the previous requirement for the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) to reduce tuition by a specified date in 2029.

Moreover, the bill would increase the maximum amount for lease-to-own and bond transactions that ABOR can engage in from $800 million to $1.125 billion, allowing for private postsecondary institutions to participate in the Arizona Teachers Academy. It would also clarify the board's authority regarding scholarship funds, including the Military Scholarship Fund and the LEO Scholarship Fund, and modify eligibility requirements for these funds. The bill aims to enhance financial accountability and educational standards within Arizona's higher education system while ensuring a structured transition through specified repeal dates and retroactive applicability of some amendments.

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