ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

House: APPROP DP 9-4-0-0

HB 2017: appropriation; STEM; learning; workforce development

Sponsor: Representative Udall, LD 25

Caucus & COW

Overview

Appropriates the sum of $3,000,000 from the state General Fund (GF) for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 to the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) to administer a grant program to cultivate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for both learning and workforce development.

History

Laws 2011, 2nd Special Session, Chapter 1, created the ACA and outlined its duties and responsibilities, replacing the former Arizona Department of Commerce. According to the Arizona State Library, Archives, & Public Records, the ACA was established to facilitate beneficial economic growth and development of Arizona and promote prosperity through development and protection of legitimate interests of Arizona business, industry and commerce within and outside the state.

Provisions

1. Appropriates the sum of $3,000,000 from the state GF in FY 2022 to the ACA to administer a grant program to cultivate STEM learning and STEM workforce development opportunities throughout the state. (Sec. 1)

2. Specifies the intent of this program is to build STEM networks and hubs that give priority to rural and semirural areas. (Sec. 1)

3. Directs the ACA to attempt to maximize and connect STEM learning and STEM workforce development opportunities provided by the following:

a) Entities in a county that have an established network of cross-institutional partners from business, education, community and government;

b) Schools and school districts;

c) Out of school programs;

d) Museums and science centers with expertise in STEM;

e) Higher education institutions; and

f) Other entities that recognize the need for STEM competencies. (Sec. 1)

4. Exempts the appropriations from lapsing. (Sec. 1)

5. States the Legislature intends the appropriation be considered ongoing funding in future years. (Sec. 1)

6. Directs the ACA to use the Rural-Urban Continuum Code Scheme for categorizing rural and semirural areas. (Sec. 1)

7. Requires the ACA to submit a report to the Legislature on the distribution of grant monies by December 31, 2021 and provide a copy of the report to the Secretary of State. (Sec. 1)

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11. HB 2017

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