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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
fitness program; school report cards
Purpose
Establishes the Arizona School Fitness Program (Fitness Program) in the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to recognize public schools that elect to participate in a nationally recognized physical fitness test or event.
Background
On July 31, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14327 to reestablish the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition (Council) and the Presidential Fitness Test. The Council must advise the President and make recommendations relating to the Presidential Fitness test, including: 1) strategies for reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test; 2) strategies for the development and promotion of Presidential challenges and school-based programs that reward excellence in physical education; 3) actions to expand opportunities for participation in sports and engagement in physical fitness; 4) campaigns and events that elevate American sports, military readiness and health traditions; and 5) strategies to address the increasing rates of childhood obesity, chronic diseases and sedentary lifestyles. The Secretaries of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education must administer the Presidential Fitness Test and provide funding and technical support to the Council as specified.
Each public school must annually distribute an annual report card that contains specified information relating to the school, including: 1) a description of the school's regular, magnet and special instructional programs; 2) a summary of student results and progress; 3) attendance and graduation rates; 4) total enrollment; 5) expenditure data; and 6) average class sizes. A school must distribute the report card to parents before the last day of school each fiscal year and send a copy of the report card to ADE (A.R.S. § 15-746).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Establishes the Fitness Program in ADE to recognize public schools that elect to participate in a nationally recognized physical fitness test or event.
2. Requires ADE to develop guidelines and identify best practices and resources for schools participating in the Fitness Program.
3. Allows a school that elects to participate in the Fitness Program to include the Fitness Program designation in the school's report card.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
ED 1/27/26 DP 8-0-2-2
3rd Read 2/9/26 59-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 2, 2026
MH/SM/ci