Arizona 2024 Regular Session

Arizona Senate Bill SB1455

Introduced
1/31/24  
Report Pass
2/5/24  
Introduced
1/31/24  
Report Pass
2/12/24  
Report Pass
2/5/24  
Engrossed
3/7/24  
Report Pass
2/12/24  

Caption

Public school tax credit; purposes

Impact

The amendment to section 43-1089.01 of the Arizona Revised Statutes would enhance the existing tax incentive framework for individuals contributing to public schools, aiming to stimulate contributions towards essential educational and extracurricular services. The retroactive application of the bill to contributions from June 30, 2024, suggests a proactive desire to encourage community involvement in school funding. By potentially increasing the financial resources available for schools, this bill could have significant implications for the educational landscape in Arizona, particularly in enhancing support for programs not fully funded through traditional public school budgets.

Summary

Senate Bill 1455 seeks to amend existing state law concerning individual income tax credits related to contributions made to public schools. The bill specifies that taxpayers can receive a credit for fees and cash contributions made to public schools for specified purposes including standardized testing preparation, career and technical education assessments, CPR training, extracurricular activities, character education programs, and capital items such as playground equipment. The maximum credit available is $200 for single filers and $400 for married couples filing jointly, with provisions for carry-over if the credit exceeds tax liability.

Sentiment

Support for SB1455 appears rooted in a belief that fostering taxpayer contributions to public education will have beneficial outcomes for students and communities alike. Proponents may argue that increased financial support for educational services will directly enhance learning environments and outcomes. However, the bill could face contention regarding the reliance on taxpayer contributions instead of increasing state funding for education, which some critics might see as a workaround that addresses funding inadequacies without ensuring stable, equitable support for all schools.

Contention

Notable discussions may arise around the fairness and implications of relying on individual contributions under the guise of tax credits, as they could disproportionately benefit families with the financial capacity to contribute, thus widening the gap between well-resourced and under-resourced schools. Additionally, there may be concerns about the proper allocation and accounting of these contributions, particularly with penalties for unspent designated contributions. The clear definitions laid out for eligible expenses could also underline disagreements regarding what constitutes essential support in the educational framework.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AZ SB1007

Public school tax credit; purposes

AZ HB2425

Income tax credit; resource officers

AZ SB1749

2025-2026; taxation; omnibus

AZ SB1243

STOs; individual income tax credits

AZ HB2014

STOs; scholarships; corporate tax credits

AZ HB2809

STO; income tax credit; repeal

AZ HB2278

School tuition organizations; revisions; credit

AZ HB2269

Tax exemptions; credits; review schedule

AZ HB2156

Tax credits; motion picture credits

AZ HB2961

Taxation; omnibus; 2025-2026

Similar Bills

CA AB739

Public retirement systems: defined benefit plans: funding.

AZ SB1082

ASRS; lease-purchase agreements; contributions; prepayment

AZ HB2008

ASRS; contribution prepayment

HI HB724

Relating To Campaign Contributions.

HI SB201

Relating To Contributions By State And County Contractors And Grantees Of The State.

HI HB724

Relating To Campaign Contributions.

HI HB730

Relating To Campaign Spending Cash Contributions.

HI HB730

Relating To Campaign Spending Cash Contributions.