Education (Higher Education)

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

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Higher Education School Choice Student Financial Aid

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introduced · Arizona · House Jan 21, 2026

HB 2432: appropriation; Yavapai community college; health

HB 2432 appropriates $10 million from Arizona's state general fund for Yavapai College's health sciences division during fiscal year 2026-2027. The funds are specifically designated for the college's health sciences programs and are exempt from standard appropriation lapsing rules until June 30, 2030. This means the college can use the full amount without it expiring before 2030, providing longer-term financial certainty for these programs. The bill directly affects Yavapai College and its health sciences division by securing dedicated funding for their operations. It is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes beyond the allocation and spending timeline.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $10M from state general fund to Yavapai College health programs, directly funding public education services per appropriation language.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates $10M for Yavapai College's health sciences programs, providing dedicated funding and long-term financial stability for higher education programs.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $10M specifically for Yavapai College's health sciences programs, directly funding healthcare education and training infrastructure.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Higher Education

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signed · Arizona · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 2255: teachers academy; community college students

HB 2255 establishes Arizona's Teachers Academy to support students pursuing teaching careers. Community college students in teacher preparation programs can receive scholarships covering tuition and fees for up to two years (four semesters) if they agree to teach in Arizona public schools for one year per year of scholarship support. The program prioritizes high-demand areas like special education, STEM, rural schools, and low-income districts, with scholarships requiring repayment if the teaching commitment isn't fulfilled. The initiative is funded through state appropriations and aims to address teacher shortages by linking financial aid to service in Arizona schools.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides scholarships for teacher prep students with service requirements, prioritizing high-demand education areas to strengthen teaching workforce and address shortages in critical schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Teachers

introduced · Arizona · House Jan 21, 2026

HB 2297: financial aid; private scholarships; requirements

HB 2297, the "Arizona Ban on Scholarship Displacement Act of 2026," prevents Arizona public colleges and universities from reducing a student's free financial aid (like grants or scholarships not requiring repayment) if the student receives a private scholarship. Specifically, institutions cannot lower gift aid because of a private scholarship, except when the gift aid exceeds the student's actual cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, living expenses, etc.). The bill also prohibits schools from factoring private scholarships into financial aid decisions. It directly affects Arizona public universities and community colleges (under the Arizona Board of Regents or community college system) and students receiving private scholarships from non-governmental sources.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationPrevents public colleges from reducing student aid when private scholarships are received, expanding access to financial support without penalty.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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introduced · Arizona · House Jun 13, 2026

HCR 2042: expenditure limitation; school districts; repeal.

HCR 2042 proposes to repeal a constitutional provision (Article IX, Section 21) that set annual spending limits for Arizona school districts and community college districts. This repeal would remove the requirement for these districts to adjust their budgets based on student population changes and cost-of-living factors. The bill directly affects all public school districts and community colleges in Arizona by eliminating these specific expenditure constraints. It does not create new rules but removes an existing constitutional requirement governing district budgeting.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRepealing spending limits removes mandatory budget adjustments for school districts, enabling greater flexibility in fund allocation and potential increased educational investment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Funding

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in committee · Arizona · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 2240: tuition waiver; children; veterans; disabilities

HB 2240 provides tuition waiver scholarships at Arizona public universities and community colleges for specific groups. It directly affects: (1) children under 30 or unmarried spouses of peace officers, firefighters, correctional officers, or military personnel who died in the line of duty from PTSD-related injuries or suicide (with documented evidence); (2) Purple Heart recipients with a 50%+ VA disability rating who are Arizona residents or stationed in Arizona. The bill requires verification by state boards (like the Veterans' Services Department) and limits scholarships to 64 community college credits or a bachelor’s degree’s credit equivalent. It expands existing tuition waiver programs to include these new eligibility categories while maintaining strict documentation requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state budget funds for tuition waivers, directly increasing public education spending for specified groups.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides tuition waivers for higher education at Arizona public universities/community colleges, expanding access for veterans' families and disabled Purple Heart recipients.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides tuition waivers for Purple Heart recipients (veterans) with 50%+ VA disability, expanding educational benefits for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Veteran Education Veteran Mental Health

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passed · Arizona · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SCR 1012: community college students; teachers academy

Arizona's SCR 1012 establishes the Arizona Teachers Academy to support future educators through tuition scholarships. Eligible community colleges and universities can offer teacher preparation programs, providing community college students with up to two years of tuition coverage (after other aid) in exchange for a commitment to teach one year in Arizona public schools after graduation. The program requires students to maintain academic standing and fulfill teaching obligations, with repayment required if commitments aren't met. Funding comes from a dedicated Arizona Teachers Academy Fund, supported by legislative appropriations and specific revenue streams, to cover scholarship gaps and support teacher certification.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds teacher preparation programs via state scholarships, increasing public education spending without tax changes.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tuition scholarships for teacher preparation programs, requiring teaching service in AZ public schools to strengthen educator pipeline and fund future teachers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Teachers

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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

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Higher Education School Choice Student Financial Aid

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introduced · Arizona · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 1362: appropriation; resilience plan

SB 1362 allocates $2 million from Arizona's general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the University of Arizona's Aegis consortium to develop a state resilience plan. The bill directly funds the University of Arizona and its Aegis consortium to create this plan, which focuses on preparing for climate or disaster-related challenges. It provides specific financial resources for planning activities but does not change existing laws or regulations. This is a procedural funding bill with no voting record or policy changes beyond the allocated budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $2M from Arizona's general fund for resilience planning, directly funding a state program through budget appropriation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $2M to University of Arizona's consortium for resilience planning, directly funding higher education infrastructure without restricting educational operations.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds $2M for climate resilience planning via University of Arizona, directly advancing environmental preparedness for climate challenges.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Higher Education

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introduced · Arizona · House Jan 26, 2026

HB 2703: ESAs; micro-schools; ADE; reporting requirements.

HB 2703 defines eligibility for Arizona's Education Savings Account (ESA) program, primarily affecting students with disabilities, those from low-performing schools, military families, and children in foster care. The bill establishes specific criteria for "qualified students" (e.g., those identified under federal disability law, attending schools with D/F grades, or military-connected children) and defines "micro-schools" as tuition-charging entities providing instruction without public school status. It requires schools receiving ESA funds to meet reporting standards and ensures students must have attended a public school for minimum hours or meet other specified enrollment requirements. This bill updates the legal framework governing the existing ESA program without creating new funding.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access via ESAs for students with disabilities, low-performing school attendees, military families, and foster youth, defining eligibility and micro-schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education School Choice

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