ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

House: COM DPA 9-0-0-1 | APPROP DPA 13-0-0-0 | 3rd Read 55-2-3-0

Senate: COM DPA 9-0-0-0 | APPROP DPA 9-1-0-0 | APPROP DPA/SE 7-3-1-0 | 3rd Read 16-14-0-0

HB 2282: ~~small business assistance grants~~

NOW: instruction; Holocaust; antisemitism

Sponsor: Representative Lieberman, LD 28

Senate Engrossed

The House Engrossed version of HB 2282 creates the Small Business Assistance Relief Fund to provide grants to small businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Senate adopted a strike-everything amendment that does the following:

Overview

Requires the State Board of Education (SBE) to mandate that instruction on the Holocaust and its root causes include instruction on antisemitism.

History

Statute requires SBE to prescribe a minimum course of study incorporating the academic standards adopted by SBE to be taught in common schools and for the high school graduation of students (A.R.S. §§ 15-701, 15-701.01). School district governing boards and charter school governing bodies must adopt curriculum that includes the academic standards.

In October 2020, SBE adopted rules that require common school students to undergo instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides at least once in either the 7th or 8th grade while in a social studies course. Additionally, to graduate from high school, students must obtain three credits in social studies, including one credit of world history or geography that now must include instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Association (IHRA) consists of 34 member countries and unites governments and experts to strengthen, advance and promote Holocaust education, research and remembrance. The IHRA adopted the following working definition of antisemitism:

"A certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."

Provisions

1. Instructs SBE to require instruction on the Holocaust and its root causes include instruction on antisemitism that:

a) Includes both classic and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism;

b) Uses the IHRA definition of antisemitism adopted by the IHRA on May 26, 2016; and

c) Includes the contemporary examples of antisemitism that are included in the IHRA's definition. (Sec. 1)

2. Provides that this instruction does not diminish or infringe on any right under the Arizona Constitution or the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. (Sec. 1)

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6. HB 2282

7. Initials CH Page 0 Senate Engrossed

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