community colleges; dual enrollment; funding

SB 1676 amends Arizona's community college funding calculations to better support dual enrollment programs, where high school students take college courses simultaneously. It specifically prevents community colleges from having state aid reduced by 50% for students enrolled in dual credit courses taught by high school staff on high school campuses during regular hours. The bill also appropriates $1.1 million in fiscal year 2025-2026 to 11 community college districts (including Maricopa County's $852,800 allocation) to fully fund these dual enrollment students. These changes directly affect community college districts and high schools participating in dual enrollment, ensuring consistent state funding for these programs. The bill updates how student enrollment counts are calculated for funding purposes, with new audit requirements for transparency.