REFERENCE TITLE: Arizona school agricultural program; appropriation

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

2023

HB 2658

Introduced by

Representatives Contreras P: Austin, Dunn, Gutierrez, Hernandez L, Mathis, Ortiz, Pawlik, Peña, Quiñonez, Salman, Sandoval, Schwiebert, Seaman, Terech

An Act

amending title 15, chapter 2, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-249.01; appropriating monies; relating to the department of education.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

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

Section 1. Title 15, chapter 2, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-249.01, to read:

START_STATUTE15-249.01. Arizona school agricultural program; grants fund; exemption

A. The Arizona school agricultural program is established within the department of education to support gardening programs in public schools in this state.  The department of education shall:

1. Consult with public and private agricultural organizations and representatives of public schools to develop curricula and lists of resources that schools may use for school gardening programs. 

2. Post the curricula and lists that are developed pursuant to paragraph 1 of this subsection on the department's website for use by any school in this state.

3. Award grants pursuant to subsection B of this section to support school gardening programs.

B. Subject to available monies, any school that is operated by a school district or charter school in this state may apply to the department of education in a form and manner prescribed by the department for a grant to establish or support a gardening program in the school.  The department of education shall award grants on a first-come, first-served basis.

C. A school district or charter school may accept from any person in-kind donations of materials, equipment or services that may be used in connection with a school gardening program offered pursuant to this section.

D. The Arizona school agricultural program fund is established, consisting of legislative appropriations and private grants, gifts, contributions and devises.  The department of education shall administer the fund.  Monies in the fund are continuously appropriated and exempt from the provisions of section 35-190 relating to lapsing of appropriations. END_STATUTE

Sec. 2. Appropriation; Arizona school agricultural program fund; exemption; intent

A. The sum of $250,000 and one FTE position are appropriated from the state general fund in fiscal year 2023-2024 to the Arizona school agricultural program fund for the purpose of implementing section 15-249.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, as added by this act.

B. The appropriation made in subsection A of this section is exempt from the provisions of section 35-190, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to lapsing of appropriations. 

C. The legislature intends that the one FTE position appropriated in subsection A of this section be considered ongoing in future years.