Assigned to ED                                                                                                                                  AS VETOED

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session

VETOED

FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2033

statewide assessment; written form; requirements

Purpose

Authorizes a school district or charter school to administer the statewide assessment in the form of a written test on approval by a majority vote of the school district governing board or charter school governing body.

Background

Statute requires the State Board of Education (SBE) to adopt and implement statewide assessments to measure pupil achievement of the SBE-adopted academic standards in reading, writing and mathematics, and allows the SBE to administer assessments of the academic standards in social studies and science. A statewide assessment must be given: 1) in English Language arts and mathematics annually in grades three through eight and at least once in high school; 2) in science, at least once in grades three through five, grades six through eight and in high school; and 3) in other subjects and for other students, at the direction of the SBE. The SBE determines the manner of implementation for the statewide assessments. 

A school district or charter school may administer the statewide assessment in the form of a written test only: 1) if a written test is required pursuant to an Individualized Education Program or a Section 504 plan; 2) to accommodate special circumstances; 3) for religious purposes; or
4) on request by a pupil's parent or guardian (A.R.S. § 15-741; A.A.C. R7-2-300).

There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1. Expands the list of reasons for which a school district or charter school may administer the statewide assessment in the form of a written test to include on approval by a majority vote of the school district governing board or charter school governing body.

2. Makes technical and conforming changes.

3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.

Governor's Veto Message

The Governor indicates in her veto message that on April 13, 2026, she announced a bill moratorium until the legislative majority provides their FY 2027 state budget proposal for the purpose of engaging in budget negotiations.

House Action Senate Action

ED                   1/27/26      DP       7-2-2-1               ED                   3/11/26      DP              6-0-1

3^rd Read          2/25/26                  31-22-7               3^rd Read          4/9/26                            16-10-4

Vetoed by the Governor 4/14/26

Prepared by Senate Research

April 15, 2026

MH/SM/hk