If enacted, this bill would update current statutes related to higher education funding in Arizona for the fiscal year 2025-2026. Specifically, it would allow for a state match of less than two dollars for each dollar raised from the surcharge on student registration fees, as opposed to the current requirement. Additionally, it would specify that state aid for community college districts (CCDs) related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, as well as operating state aid for CCDs, would be determined as outlined in the general appropriations act for FY 2026.

The bill introduces new provisions that override existing statutes, such as section 15-1642, subsection C, and section 15-1464, subsection A, paragraph 3, which currently dictate the matching requirements and aid specifications. These changes aim to align funding mechanisms with the state's budgetary needs while ensuring that community colleges receive the necessary support for their programs.