Assigned to GOV AS PASSED BY COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
AMENDED
FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2456
ASDB; continuation
Purpose
Continues the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) for two years.
Background
The Arizona Constitution requires the Legislature to provide by law for the education and
care of pupils with visual or hearing impairment (Ariz. Const. art. 11, § 1). Originally established
in 1912 within the University of Arizona, the Legislature established ASDB as its own agency in
1929 to provide schools and programs for the education of persons with visual or hearing
impairment and serve as an optional resource to school districts, state institutions and approved
educational programs. ASDB is a local education agency responsible for providing a free and
appropriate public education to students enrolled in its campuses. Subject to statutorily-outlined
admission procedures, Arizona residents who are 3 years old through 22 years old and are sensory
impaired to the extent that they cannot acquire appropriate education in their school district of
residence are entitled to education in the ASDB. ASDB may also enroll children under 3 years old
who would benefit from a specialized program (Laws 1929, Ch. 93; A.R.S. §§ 15-1302;
15-1306; and 15-1341 – 15-1344).
ASDB is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of the Governor as an ex-officio
member, the Superintendent of Public Instruction and eight Governor-appointed members who
meet specified criteria (A.R.S. § 15-1321). ASDB operates Phoenix Day School for the Deaf, a
day program and residential program at the ASDB Tucson campus, an Early Learning Program
serving children under three years old in homes and satellite preschools and regional cooperative
programs providing services to students in participating public schools (ASDB).
The Senate Education Committee of Reference (COR) held a public meeting on Thursday,
October 27, 2022, and the House Education COR held a public meeting on Tuesday, January 17,
2023, to review the Auditor General's Performance Audit and Sunset Review Report, evaluate
ASDB's responses to the sunset review factors and receive public testimony. The CORs
recommended that the Legislature continue ASDB for eight years, until July 1, 2031 (Senate COR
Report; House COR Report). The ASDB Board of Directors terminates on July 1, 2023, unless
continued by the Legislature (A.R.S. § 41-3023.03).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues, retroactive to July 1, 2023, the ASDB Board of Directors for two years, until
January 1, 2025. FACT SHEET – Amended
H.B. 2456
Page 2
2. Repeals ASDB on January 1, 2026.
3. Contains a purpose statement.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date, with a retroactive provision as noted.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
• Reduces, from 8 years to 2 years, the continuation of ASDB.
House Action Senate Action
ED 1/31/23 DP 10-0-0-0 GOV 3/29/23 DPA 8-0-0
3
rd
Read 2/21/23 60-0-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 29, 2023
LB/slp