SB 1841 Arizona Senate · 57th Legislature - Second Regular Session

2026-2027; K-12 education

This Arizona bill updates the financial rules for state-sponsored charter schools, specifically those run by universities and community colleges. It clarifies that school districts are not financially responsible for these specific charter schools and establishes new methods for calculating funding based on student counts and enrollment verification. The legislation also introduces stricter limits on how students can be counted if they are enrolled in both a charter school and a traditional public school, ensuring funds are not duplicated. Additionally, the bill outlines how state aid will be distributed and adjusted if a charter school receives other federal or state grants for basic operations.

Issues: ✓ Education

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Apr 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Apr 27, 2026 Last action May 4, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced Version → Senate Engrossed Version · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Arizona's K-12 education statutes for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, primarily adjusting financial formulas, funding rates, and definitions to reflect current economic conditions. It also adds new provisions regarding charter school oversight, transportation funding calculations, and specific budgetary rules for the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.

Scope change

The bill applies to all K-12 school districts, charter schools, and the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. It modifies the scope of financial calculations for charter schools and updates the specific dollar amounts used for state aid.

FISCAL

Updated the base support level per student and specific equalization assistance rates for charter schools to new figures for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Revised the qualifying tax rates for school districts and unified districts to offset changes in property assessed valuations.

Adjusted transportation support levels and route mileage calculations to ensure accurate funding allocation for student transport.

Authorized the use of the failing schools tutoring fund for professional development and tutoring outreach in fiscal year 2026-2027.

REQUIREMENT

Added new requirements for charter school sponsors to impose civil penalties and withhold state aid if schools fail to comply with fingerprinting requirements.

Established a new property proceeds fund for the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, requiring legislative review of expenditure plans before selling school buildings.

TIMELINE

Extended the timeline for certain reporting and budget revision deadlines for charter schools to align with the new fiscal year.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

upper

Apr 28, 2026

Upper · Passed

upper

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor