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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
technology study committee; assistive technology
Purpose
Establishes the Technology First Study Committee (Study Committee) and outlines membership, duties and reporting requirements.
Background
Assistive technology is designed to help maintain or improve a disabled individual's functioning related to cognition, communication, hearing, mobility, self-care and vision. Assistive technology benefits people of all ages and those who are diagnosed with long-term health conditions (WHO). Assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability (34 C.F.R. § 300.5).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Establishes the Study Committee consisting of the following members that have knowledge in assistive technology:
a) two members that represent the Department of Economic Security, one that represents the Division of Developmental Disabilities and one that represents the Vocational Rehabilitation Community Program who are appointed by the President of the Senate;
b) one member of the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council who is appointed by the President of the Senate;
c) one member of the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council who is appointed by the President of the Senate;
d) one member that represents the Arizona Department of Education who is appointed by the President of the Senate;
e) one member that represents the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System who is appointed by the President of the Senate;
f) one member that represents Northern Arizona University's Institute for Human Development who is appointed by the President of the Senate;
g) one member that represents the University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities who is appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
h) one member that represents the Arizona Assistive Technology Access Program who is appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
i) one member that represents disability rights Arizona who is appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
j) two members that represent use assistive technology who are appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
k) two members that represent parent advocate groups who are appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and
l) one member that represents the Delegation for Developmental Disability Advocacy who is appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
2. Requires the Study Committee to meet two times per year at dates and times to be decided by the Study Committee.
3. Specifies that Study Committee members are not eligible to receive compensation.
4. Specifies that the Study Committee members that represent disability rights for Arizona, assistive technology, parent advocate groups or the Delegation for Developmental Disability Advocacy are eligible for reimbursement of expenses as prescribed.
5. Requires the Study Committee to:
a) study and address specific issues related to assistive technology, including technology first initiatives;
b) analyze emerging assistive technologies;
c) identify potential changes in assistive technologies; and
d) analyze how to better serve individuals with assistive technology needs.
6. Requires the Study Committee, by October 1, 2027, to submit a report on the Study Committee's activities and recommendations to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and provide a copy to the Secretary of State.
7. Repeals the Study Committee on October 1, 2027.
8. Designates this legislation as the Technology First Study Committee Act.
9. Contains a statement of legislative intent.
10. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
ST 1/28/26 DPA 8-0-0-1
3rd Read 3/5/26 36-14-9-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 20, 2026
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