Education

signed · Arizona · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 1423: WICHE; continuation

SB 1423 terminates Arizona's participation in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) effective July 1, 2036, ending the state's ability to use WICHE agreements for graduate and professional education. This affects Arizona students and institutions that currently rely on WICHE to access out-of-state graduate programs at reduced tuition rates. The bill sets a specific end date for WICHE operations in Arizona, with related legal sections repealed on January 1, 2037, and applies retroactively from July 1, 2026. The legislation does not create new programs but formally ends Arizona's involvement in this regional higher education compact.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationTerminates WICHE participation, ending reduced tuition access for Arizona students in out-of-state graduate programs, restricting educational access and higher education affordability.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Education

failed · Arizona · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 1424: firearm safety instruction; public schools

SB 1424 requires Arizona public schools to provide annual, age-appropriate firearm safety instruction to students in kindergarten through 12th grade starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The instruction must focus solely on accident prevention and personal safety - covering safe storage, actions to take if encountering a firearm, and risks of unsafe handling - while explicitly prohibiting live firearms, ammunition, or any training on firearm use. The Arizona Department of Education will develop neutral, fact-based instructional materials in collaboration with public safety agencies, and schools must make all materials available for parental review. The bill does not regulate firearm ownership or possession, nor does it promote or discourage firearm ownership.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates annual firearm safety curriculum in K-12 schools, enhancing student safety education as part of required school programs without restricting existing educational focus.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

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signed · Arizona · House Jun 4, 2026

HB 2032: statewide assessment; testing window; revisions

HB 2032 requires Arizona third graders to demonstrate sufficient reading skills on the statewide assessment to advance to fourth grade. If a student does not meet this standard, they may be retained, but only if test data is available and they haven't been retained before. The bill allows exceptions for English learners, students with special education needs (including dyslexia), or those showing progress through approved assessments. Schools must offer multiple evidence-based reading interventions, provide detailed parent notifications about reading deficiencies, and report retention and intervention data to the state education department. This bill directly affects third graders, Arizona public schools, and their parents.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires 3rd graders to meet reading proficiency for promotion with evidence-based interventions, reinforcing academic standards for K-12 student advancement.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

vetoed · Arizona · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 1142: federal tax credit; authorization; scholarships

This bill allows Arizona to participate in a federal tax credit program, enabling individuals to claim a credit for contributions to qualified scholarship organizations. Starting in 2027, certified Arizona scholarship groups can provide funds for elementary and secondary education expenses, such as tuition or materials, under federal law. The state’s Department of Education must certify these organizations, maintain a public list of them, and submit annual reports to the federal government to maintain eligibility. The bill does not create new scholarships but aligns Arizona with existing federal tax incentives for education-related donations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes federal tax credit for education contributions, providing tax relief to contributors under federal law, aligning with tax relief indicators.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables tax credits for private scholarships funding K-12 education expenses, expanding access and private funding options for schools.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

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passed · Arizona · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 2409: artificial intelligence; statewide education program

HB 2409 establishes a voluntary statewide summer education program for Arizona residents through the Department of Education. It creates two core curricula: one teaching digital safety (including spotting AI-generated misinformation, understanding algorithmic bias, and protecting personal data), and another providing practical AI skills for small business owners (covering marketing tools, operational automation, and ethical use). The program, offered at public facilities, allows participating schools or colleges to award academic credit for completion. It directly affects Arizona residents and small business owners by providing accessible, hands-on AI education without mandating school curriculum changes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates voluntary AI education curricula for digital safety and business skills, expanding educational access and curriculum offerings in K-12 context95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes AI education curricula teaching data protection, algorithmic bias, and ethical AI use, directly promoting digital safety and responsible technology adoption.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

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passed · Arizona · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 2500: supplemental appropriation; ESA administration

HB 2500 provides an additional $1,000,000 and 12 full-time positions from the state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Arizona superintendent of public instruction. This funding is specifically for administering the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which allows families to use public funds for private school tuition or educational services. The bill directly affects the superintendent's office and the ESA program's operations, adding resources to manage the existing scholarship initiative. It does not change eligibility or benefit amounts but ensures the program has dedicated staffing and funding for administration.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdds $1M from state general fund to administer ESA program, increasing state funding for educational choice.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds ESA administration to expand school choice access, directly advancing educational access through voucher program operations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

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passed · Arizona · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 2499: appropriation; ESA administration

HB 2499 appropriates $2.6 million and 12 full-time equivalent positions from Arizona's general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Department of Education. This funding specifically supports the administration of the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which provides state-funded scholarships to students. The bill designates this as ongoing funding intended for future years, ensuring continued operational support for the program. The measure directly affects the Department of Education (as the administrator) and the ESA program's beneficiaries.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $2.6M from state general fund to fund ESA program administration, directly supporting state education funding through budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds ESA program administration, providing state scholarships for student educational choice and access.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Education

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