ARIZONA STATE SENATE
RESEARCH STAFF
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LAURA BENITEZ |
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LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST EDUCATION COMMITTEE Telephone: (602) 926-3171 |
TO: MEMBERS OF THE SENATE
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
DATE: March 27, 2023
SUBJECT: Strike everything amendment to H.B. 2291, relating to continuation; ASDB
Purpose
Continues the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) for five years.
Background
The Arizona Constitution requires the Legislature to provide by law for the education and care of pupils with visual or hearing impairment (Ariz. Const. art. 11, § 1). Originally established in 1912 within the University of Arizona, the Legislature established ASDB as its own agency in 1929 to provide schools and programs for the education of persons with visual or hearing impairment and serve as an optional resource to school districts, state institutions and approved educational programs. ASDB is a local education agency responsible for providing a free and appropriate public education to students enrolled in its campuses. Subject to statutorily-outlined admission procedures, Arizona residents who are 3 years old through 22 years old and are sensory impaired to the extent that they cannot acquire appropriate education in their school district of residence are entitled to education in the ASDB. ASDB may also enroll children under 3 years old who would benefit from a specialized program (Laws 1929, Ch. 93; A.R.S. §§ 15-1302; 15-1306; and 15-1341 – 15-1344).
ASDB is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of the Governor as an ex-officio member, the Superintendent of Public Instruction and eight Governor-appointed members who meet specified criteria (A.R.S. § 15-1321). ASDB operates Phoenix Day School for the Deaf, a day program and residential program at the ASDB Tucson campus, an Early Learning Program serving children under three years old in homes and satellite preschools and regional cooperative programs providing services to students in participating public schools (ASDB).
The Senate Education Committee of Reference (COR) held a public meeting on Thursday, October 27, 2022, and the House Education COR held a public meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, to review the Auditor General's Performance Audit and Sunset Review Report, evaluate ASDB's responses to the sunset review factors and receive public testimony. The CORs recommended that the Legislature continue ASDB for eight years, until July 1, 2031 (Senate COR Report; House COR Report). The ASDB Board of Directors terminates on July 1, 2023, unless continued by the Legislature (A.R.S. § 41-3023.03).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues, retroactive to July 1, 2023, the ASDB Board of Directors for five years, until January 1, 2028.
2. Repeals ASDB on January 1, 2029.
3. Contains a purpose statement.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date, with a retroactive provision as noted.