The proposed bill would amend current statutes by appropriating $300,000 from the state General Fund for the fiscal year 2026-2027 specifically for the Braille Transcription Program managed by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR). This appropriation is intended to enhance the existing funding, as the legislature acknowledges that ADCRR currently allocates $200,000 each fiscal year for the program. The bill also establishes the intent for this new funding to be considered ongoing in future years.
Additionally, the bill mandates that ADCRR submit annual reports on the Braille Transcription Program by October 15 for the years 2026, 2027, and 2028. These reports must detail the number of in-state and out-of-state students served by the program in the prior fiscal year, ensuring accountability and transparency regarding the program's impact.