Assigned to ELEC FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B.1261
school districts; mail elections; prohibition
Purpose
Removes the authorization for a school district to conduct a mail ballot election.
Background
Statute authorizes certain political subdivisions, including school districts, to conduct mail
ballot elections. A school district governing board (governing board) may, and upon petition of 15
percent of the qualified electors, must call an election to: 1) locate or change the location of school
buildings; 2) purchase or sell school sites or buildings, or to construct school buildings; 3) decide
whether bonds may be issued or sold for outlined purposes; 4) lease school buildings or grounds
for more than 20 years; or 5) change the list of purpose of capital projects previously authorized
by voter approval to issue bonds. If a school district's proposed budget exceeds the aggregate
budget limit for the budget year, a governing board must order an override election for the qualified
electors of the school district to affirm or reject the school district's proposed budget (A.R.S.
ยง 15-481; 15-491; and 16-409).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Removes school districts from the list of political subdivisions that may conduct a mail ballot
election.
2. Makes technical and conforming changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 26, 2024
AN/KS/cs