The proposed bill would update current statutes by introducing new provisions that require the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) to prohibit public universities from using any funds to subsidize tuition for students not lawfully present in the United States. It would also mandate that ABOR set resident undergraduate tuition rates at 2.5% lower than those for FY 2025 for the fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028, while prohibiting any additional charges related to these reduced rates. Additionally, 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 and impose new project approval requirements by the Joint Committee on Capital Review (JCCR).

Moreover, the bill would modify existing scholarship funds, including the military veterans' scholarship fund and the law enforcement officers' scholarship fund, by clarifying eligibility requirements and establishing a process for unexpended funds. It would also expand the Arizona Teachers Academy to include private postsecondary institutions. The bill aims to enhance clarity and precision in the statutes by making various deletions and modifications to existing language, ensuring proper administration of funds, and modernizing the governance of higher education in Arizona.

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