ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

Senate: ED DPA/SE 8-0-0-0 | 3rd Read 28-0-2-0

House: ED DP 9-1-0-0

SB 1361: exchange programs; certificates of convenience

Sponsor: Senator Boyer, LD 20

House Engrossed

Overview

Modifies eligibility, application and reporting requirements for a certificate of educational convenience (CEC).

History

A pupil who either is precluded by distance or lack of adequate transportation facilities from attending a school in the school district or county of their residence or who lives in unorganized territory may apply to the county school superintendent for a CEC. The county school superintendent may issue a CEC authorizing the pupil to attend a school in an adjoining school district or county, whether in or out of Arizona.  Additionally, statute requires a county school superintendent to issue a CEC to a pupil placed in specified agencies or institutions.

Statute outlines the school of enrollment for a pupil with a CEC as follows: 1) if the pupil is precluded from attending school in Arizona and attends school in another state, the pupil is deemed to be enrolled in the county or school district of their residence; and 2) if the pupil is from unorganized territory or from another school district, the pupil is deemed to be enrolled in the school district of actual attendance (A.R.S. §§ 15-825, 15-825.01).

Provisions

1.   Adds that a pupil who is precluded by a parent's or guardian's employment from attending a school in their school district or county of residence may apply for a CEC. (Sec. 1)

2.   Requires a pupil to apply to their school district of residence or, if the pupil resides in unorganized territory, the school district of attendance, rather than the county school superintendent, for a CEC. (Sec. 1)

3.   Directs a parent of a pupil who seeks to apply for a CEC, resides in unorganized territory and does not have a school district of attendance to:

a)   Enroll the pupil in a school pursuant to the open enrollment statutes; and

b)   Apply to the school district that operates the school for a CEC. (Sec. 1)

4.   Instructs a school district that receives a CEC application to submit the completed application to the county school superintendent. (Sec. 1)

5.   Directs each county school superintendent to report to ADE by January 1 annually the total number of CECs issued during the previous calendar year. (Sec. 1)

6.   Mandates ADE maintain the CEC reports issued by county school superintendents. (Sec. 1)☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☒ Fiscal Note

7.   Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1, 2)

8.   Makes conforming changes. (Sec. 2)

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12.                    SB 1361

13.  Initials CH Page 0 House Engrossed

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