Arizona 2024 Regular Session

Arizona Senate Bill SB1354

Introduced
1/30/24  
Report DNP
2/14/24  
Introduced
1/30/24  

Caption

ESAs; children with disabilities; requirements

Impact

The proposed legislation aims to alleviate what proponents see as undue bureaucratic interference in nonpublic educational institutions. By establishing that qualified schools do not need to modify their admissions or curriculum practices to accept students funded through empowerment scholarship accounts, the bill seeks to encourage more families to utilize these financial resources. Furthermore, it places legal burdens on the state to justify any actions challenging the schools' operations, potentially making it more difficult for state interventions related to educational governance.

Summary

SB1354 introduces amendments to section 15-2404 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which governs Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts. The bill primarily focuses on ensuring that no government agency can exert control over nonpublic schools or homeschools, reinforcing their autonomy in educational practices. It explicitly states that qualified schools accepting payments from parents will not be recognized as agents of the state or federal government, and thus not subjected to government oversight regarding their operations.

Contention

Opponents of SB1354 might raise concerns regarding the potential for reduced oversight in education quality and protections for students, particularly those with disabilities. The bill does include provisions that aim to protect students with individualized education programs (IEPs) or 504 plans by requiring qualified schools to provide necessary accommodations unless a written waiver is obtained. Critics could argue that this reliance on written waivers might not adequately safeguard the rights of vulnerable student populations, leaving room for inconsistencies in the quality of educational services provided.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AZ SB1355

ESAs; children with disabilities; evaluations

AZ HB2687

ESAs; children with disabilities; requirements.

AZ SB1707

Universal ESAs; budget; line item

AZ SB1352

ESAs; parental notification; waived rights

AZ SB1645

ESAs; children with disabilities; requirements

AZ SB1639

ESAs; children with disabilities; evaluations

AZ SB1353

ESA program; ADE; funding estimates

AZ HB2810

ESAs; children with disabilities; evaluations.

AZ SB1708

ESAs; assessments; qualified schools; audits

AZ SB1706

Arizona empowerment scholarships; quarterly report

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.