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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
VETOED
AMENDED
library
trustees; annual report
(NOW: school board member; access)
Purpose
Requires a school district governing board (governing board) member to have at least the same level of access to school district office facilities and staff as any employee of the school district office.
Background
A governing board has the authority to prescribe policies and procedures to govern schools that are not inconsistent with the laws and rules prescribed by the State Board of Education. The powers and duties of the governing board include: 1) prescribing the curricula and criteria for the promotion and graduation of pupils; 2) employing a superintendent or principal, or both; 3) holding pupils accountable for disorderly conduct; 4) prescribing policies for disciplinary actions against teachers and administrators; and 5) providing supervision over pupils in instructional or noninstructional activities (A.R.S. § 15-341). The governing board is composed of three or five elected members. A person is eligible for election to the governing board if they are a registered voter and have been a resident of the school district for at least one year (A.R.S. § 15-421). A school district is a political subdivision of Arizona with geographic boundaries organized for the purpose of the administration, support and maintenance of the public schools or an accommodation school (A.R.S. § 15-101).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires a governing board member to have at least the same level of access to school district office facilities and staff during regular business hours as any employee of the school district office.
2. Prohibits a school district from limiting a governing board member's access to school district office facilities by requiring a governing board member to be accompanied by or to seek authorization from an employee of the school district.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
• Adopted the strike-everything amendment.
Amendment Adopted by Committee of the Whole
1. Prohibits a school district from limiting a governing board member's access to school district office facilities by requiring a governing board member to be accompanied by or to seek authorization from an employee of the school district.
2. Removes the requirement that a governing board member have the ability to access school district office facilities without staff.
3. Makes technical and conforming changes.
Governor's Veto Message
The Governor indicates in her veto message that H.B. 2210 is an overcorrection for an issue that is occurring in a limited number of school boards.
Senate Action House Action
GOV 3/29/23 DPA/SE 5-3-0 Final Read 6/23/23 31-27-2
3rd Read 6/12/23 16-14-0
Vetoed by the Governor 6/19/23
Prepared by Senate Research
June 20, 2023
AN/CS/slp