HB 2039
Initials CH Page 1 Education
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
Second Regular Session
HB 2039: provisional community colleges; accreditation; oversight
Sponsor: Representative Cook, LD 7
Committee on Education
Overview
Allows a provisional community college district (CCD) to maintain a regional accreditation
and oversight relationship with another postsecondary institution, rather than only another
CCD, when organizing to a CCD.
History
A CCD may be organized for a single county, two or more contiguous counties or an existing
CCD and contiguous counties that are not part of any CCD. The proposed CCD must meet
outlined minimum net assessed valuation and population requirements to organize (A.R.S. §
15-1402). However, if a proposed CCD does not meet these requirements, statute allows for
the formation of a provisional CCD. A provisional CCD is not subject to the minimum net
assessed valuation and population requirements and must contract with an existing CCD to
provide instructional and student services within the provisional CCD. A provisional CCD
may not award degrees, certificates or diplomas (A.R.S. § 15-1409). There are two provisional
CCDs: Gila and Santa Cruz.
To organize from a provisional CCD to a CCD, a provisional CCD must: 1) have been
operating in the county for at least five years; 2) have a most recent full-time equivalent
student enrollment of at least 450; 3) be actively seeking accreditation from a regional
accrediting agency; 4) schedule public meetings to discuss the conversion; 5) adopt a
resolution to form a CCD and call an election to increase the primary property tax levy; 6)
maintain a regional accreditation and oversight relationship with another CCD until the
conversion of the provisional CCD to an independent CCD; and 7) maintain a regional
accreditation and oversight relationship with another CCD until initial candidacy status
from a regional accrediting agency is achieved (A.R.S. § 15-1402.01).
Provisions
1. Modifies the requirements for the alternative organization of a CCD by requiring a
provisional CCD to maintain a regional accreditation and oversight relationship with
another postsecondary institution, rather than another CCD. (Sec. 1)
2. Defines postsecondary institution as:
a) an accredited CCD;
b) an Arizona public university; or
c) a licensed private postsecondary educational institution. (Sec. 1)
3. Makes a conforming change. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note