REFERENCE TITLE: Native American language; instruction; certification

 

 

 

 

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-seventh Legislature

Second Regular Session

2026

 

 

 

HB 2895

 

Introduced by

Representative Tsosie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

 

amending title 15, chapter 2, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-249.20; amending title 15, chapter 5, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-501.02; amending title 15, chapter 7, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-701.05; relating to public education.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 


Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Title 15, chapter 2, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-249.20, to read:

START_STATUTE15-249.20. Native American language courses; grant program

The department of education shall establish and administer a grant program for school districts to partner with federally recognized indian tribes in this state to offer Native American language courses to students. END_STATUTE

Sec. 2. Title 15, chapter 5, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-501.02, to read:

START_STATUTE15-501.02. Native American language teaching certificate; pathways support

The state board of education, the department of education, school districts and charter schools shall support certification pathways for individuals who are seeking to obtain a Native American language certificate pursuant to section 15-501.01. END_STATUTE

Sec. 3. Title 15, chapter 7, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-701.05, to read:

START_STATUTE15-701.05. Native American language courses; high school graduation requirement

If the state board of education or a school district or charter school includes in the minimum course of study for the graduation of students from high school prescribed pursuant to section 15-701.01 a requirement that students receive instruction in a foreign language, the state board of education, school district or charter school shall allow students to satisfy the requirement by demonstrating proficiency in a Native American language. END_STATUTE