Bill > SB1451

This bill modifies Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which provides educational funding options for students. The bill expands the allowable uses of ESA funds to include postsecondary education expenses, such as tuition and textbooks at eligible postsecondary institutions. Parents of qualified students must agree to several conditions, including using the funds for core educational subjects, not enrolling the student in a public school district, and not simultaneously accepting other scholarships. The bill specifies a wide range of permissible expenses, including tutoring, educational therapies, curriculum materials, testing fees, online learning programs, and even some transportation and technology costs. Notably, the account will be closed after the student's high school graduation, with remaining funds returned to the state. The bill requires annual account renewal and provides oversight mechanisms, such as verifying student eligibility and setting guidelines for independent evaluation teams for students with certain disabilities. The scholarship amount is set at 90% of what would have been allocated if the student attended a charter school, and the funds are not considered taxable income for parents. The bill aims to provide more flexible educational funding and options for students across different educational settings.

Education

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82876