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State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

2021

HOUSE BILL 2863

AN ACT

Amending title 15, chapter 11, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-1306; relating to the Arizona state schools for the deaf and the blind.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

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

Section 1. Heading change

The chapter heading of title 15, chapter 11, Arizona Revised Statutes, is changed from "ARIZONA STATE SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND" to "ARIZONA STATE SCHOOLS FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND".

Sec. 2. Title 15, chapter 11, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-1306, to read:

START_STATUTE15-1306. Arizona state schools for the deaf and the blind; local education agency

The Arizona state schools for the deaf and the blind campuses are considered local education agencies for the following purposes:

1. Federal education funding received by this state.

2. State and federal accountability, including reporting requirements.

3. Procedural safeguards and state complaint procedures pursuant to 34 code of federal regulations part 300.

4. Graduation criteria and procedures, including diplomas and transcripts.

Sec. 3. Legislative intent

The intent of section 15-1306, Arizona Revised Statutes, as added by this act, is to recognize the Arizona state schools for the deaf and blind campuses as the local education agencies responsible for providing a free and appropriate public education for enrolled pupils pursuant to the individuals with disabilities education act.  It is the intent of the legislature that the home school district of a pupil enrolled in the Arizona state schools for the deaf and blind remains a resource for the pupil's individualized education program team.  The legislature recognizes that the board of directors for the Arizona state schools for the deaf and blind is currently working on a strategic plan.  Once the strategic plan is complete, the legislature may need to readdress the current structure to ensure that the legislature aligns with the strategic plan and purpose of the Arizona state schools for the deaf and blind in order to address the best interests of enrolled pupils.