Bill > SB1702

This bill modifies Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) program, which provides public funds to eligible students for educational expenses outside of traditional public schools. Key provisions include requiring qualified schools receiving ESA funds to comply with reporting, follow-up, and hearing participation requirements as outlined in section 41-1279.03, subsection A, paragraph 11, and to adhere to financial reporting standards similar to those for school districts and charter schools, ensuring transparency about their financial health and operational costs. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a financial transparency portal by the Department of Education to display this financial information, and it expands the auditing authority of the Auditor General to include monitoring qualified schools to determine the percentage of ESA monies spent directly on classroom education, with these schools required to prominently post this information on their websites. The bill also makes minor adjustments to the language regarding when a student can withdraw from a school district or charter school to enroll in an ESA.

Education

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85350