Arizona 57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Status: Passed Senate 1 R cosponsors

SB 1026 — alternative schools; continuous operations; requirements

Last action — House Second Reading

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 57th Legislature - Second Regular Session. It reached “Passed Senate” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there are no live odds of enactment. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

70 added · 82 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amendments to SB 1026 clarify certain operational requirements for alternative education programs and schools. Specifically, the latest version now allows these programs to operate and provide education any day of the week, as long as they submit an appropriate calendar to the Department of Education. Additionally, it streamlines the enrollment process by enabling these programs to start receiving funding for a student based on verification from the student accountability information system, rather than waiting for withdrawal forms from previous schools. These changes aim to enhance flexibility and access to alternative education for students who may benefit from it.

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Fifty-seventh Legislature Education Second Regular Session S.B.
Senate Engrossed alternative schools;
1026 PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENTS TO S.B.
continuous operations;
1026 (Reference to printed bill) Amendment instruction key:
requirements State of Arizona Senate Fifty-seventh Legislature Second Regular Session SENATE BILL 1026 AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 15-796, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES;
[GREEN UNDERLINING IN BRACKETS] indicates text added to statute or previously enacted session law.
RELATING TO ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS.
[Green underlining in brackets] indicates text added to new session law or text restoring existing law.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE) - i - S.B.
[GREEN STRIKEOUT IN BRACKETS] indicates new text removed from statute or previously enacted session law.
1026 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
[Green strikeout in brackets] indicates text removed from existing statute, previously enacted session law or new session law.
<<Green carets>> indicate a section added to the bill.
<<Green strikeout in carets>> indicates a section removed from the bill.
The bill as proposed to be amended is reprinted as follows:
An alternative education program or alternative school may deliver the annual required [instructional time or] instructional hours prescribed in PURSUANT TO section 15-797, subsection D or any other section to students on any day of the week[, CONSISTENT WITH THE CALENDAR THAT THE ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL SUBMITS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION].
An alternative education program or alternative school may deliver the annual required instructional time or instructional hours prescribed in PURSUANT TO section 15-797, subsection D or any other section to students on any day of the week, CONSISTENT WITH THE CALENDAR THAT THE ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL SUBMITS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
Senate Amendments to S.B.
E.
1026 E.
THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MAY NOT REQUIRE A SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD, ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM PROVIDER OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL THAT IS OPERATING IN GOOD STANDING TO RECERTIFY OR OTHERWISE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO CONTINUE PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE [MORE THAN ONE TIME DURING ANY FIVE-YEAR PERIOD].
THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MAY NOT REQUIRE A SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD, ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM PROVIDER OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL THAT IS OPERATING IN GOOD STANDING TO RECERTIFY OR OTHERWISE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO CONTINUE PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE MORE THAN ONE TIME DURING ANY FIVE-YEAR PERIOD.
1.
- 1 - S.B.
1026 1.
[3.
3.
THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL ANNUALLY REVIEW INFORMATION THAT IS READILY AVAILABLE TO THE DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE WHETHER AN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL SATISFIES THE REQUIREMENTS PRESCRIBED BY SUBSECTION F, PARAGRAPH 3 OF THIS SECTION.
A SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD, ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM PROVIDER OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL MAY APPEAL THE DEPARTMENT'S FINDING TO THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND REMAINS ELIGIBLE TO USE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE UNTIL THE APPEAL IS CONCLUDED.] F.
A SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD, ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM PROVIDER OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL MAY APPEAL THE DEPARTMENT'S FINDING TO THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND REMAINS ELIGIBLE TO USE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE UNTIL THE APPEAL IS CONCLUDED.
[G.] [H.] For the purposes of this section:
F.
H.
For the purposes of this section:
-2- Senate Amendments to S.B.
2.
1026 2.
Enroll and engross to conform Amend title to conform HILDY ANGIUS 1026ANGIUS.docx 01/27/2026 11:18 AM C:
- 2 -
VS 130IDXYSI 1026ANGIUS.docx 01/27/2026 1:49 PM S:
MH/ci 130IDXYSI -3-
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How this bill changes current law

2 changes Share ↗

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill modifies the requirements for alternative education programs and schools in Arizona, particularly around funding, enrollment, and compliance regulations.

  • Section 15-796

    THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MAY NOT REQUIRE A SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD, ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM PROVIDER OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL THAT IS OPERATING IN GOOD STANDING TO RECERTIFY OR OTHERWISE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO CONTINUE PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE MORE THAN ONE TIME DURING ANY FIVE-YEAR PERIOD. → THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MAY NOT REQUIRE A SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD, ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM PROVIDER OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL THAT IS OPERATING IN GOOD STANDING TO RECERTIFY OR OTHERWISE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO CONTINUE PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE MORE THAN ONE TIME DURING ANY FIVE-YEAR PERIOD. THE DEPARTMENT OR THE STATE BOARD MAY REQUIRE A SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD, ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM PROVIDER OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL TO: 1. SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO BEGIN PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL. 2. PROVIDE NOTICE BEFORE CLOSING AN EXISTING ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL. 3. DEMONSTRATE, IN A FORM AND MANNER PRESCRIBED BY THE DEPARTMENT, THAT AT LEAST SEVENTY PERCENT OF THE STUDENTS WHO ARE ENROLLED IN THE ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL ARE STUDENTS IN GRADES SIX THROUGH TWELVE WHO ARE UNABLE TO PROFIT FROM THE REGULAR SCHOOL COURSE OF STUDY AND ENVIRONMENT.

    The change clarifies the requirements for recertification and adds conditions under which alternative education programs may need to apply and demonstrate their student composition.

  • Section 15-796

    ANALYSIS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL ANNUALLY REVIEW INFORMATION THAT IS READILY AVAILABLE TO THE DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE WHETHER AN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL SATISFIES THE REQUIREMENTS PRESCRIBED BY SUBSECTION F, PARAGRAPH 3 OF THIS SECTION. ON FINDING THAT AN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL FAILS TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS PRESCRIBED BY SUBSECTION F, PARAGRAPH 3 OF THIS SECTION, THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL NOTIFY THE ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL THAT IT IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO USE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE UNTIL THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION DETERMINES THAT THE PROGRAM OR SCHOOL IS IN COMPLIANCE. → THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL ANNUALLY REVIEW INFORMATION THAT IS READILY AVAILABLE TO THE DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE WHETHER AN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL SATISFIES THE REQUIREMENTS PRESCRIBED BY SUBSECTION F, PARAGRAPH 3 OF THIS SECTION. ON FINDING THAT AN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL FAILS TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS PRESCRIBED BY SUBSECTION F, PARAGRAPH 3 OF THIS SECTION, THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL NOTIFY THE ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL THAT IT IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO USE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE UNTIL THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION DETERMINES THAT THE PROGRAM OR SCHOOL IS IN COMPLIANCE. A SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD, ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM PROVIDER OR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL MAY APPEAL THE DEPARTMENT'S FINDING TO THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND REMAINS ELIGIBLE TO USE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE UNTIL THE APPEAL IS CONCLUDED.

    The bill introduces a clear process for appealing the Department's findings on compliance, allowing alternative education programs to continue operating during the appeal process.

Action History

  1. House Second Reading

  2. House First Reading.

  3. Transmit to House

  4. PASSED

  5. DPA

  6. DPA

  7. Senate Second Reading

  8. Senate First Reading

  9. Prefiled.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 92 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (92)

92 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 92 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Passed

Passed 26 Yea · 0 Nay · 4 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 16001
Democrat 10003
Total 26004
% of votes cast 87%0%0%13%
How each member voted (30)
Member Party Vote
Analise Ortiz Democrat Not Voting
Brian Fernandez Democrat Yea
Catherine Miranda Democrat Yea
Denise “Mitzi” Epstein Democrat Not Voting
Eva Diaz Democrat Not Voting
Flavio Bravo Democrat Yea
Kiana Sears Democrat Yea
Lauren Kuby Democrat Yea
Lela Alston Democrat Yea
Priya Sundareshan Democrat Yea
Rosanna Gabaldón Democrat Yea
Sally Ann Gonzales Democrat Yea
Theresa Hatathlie Democrat Yea
Carine Werner Republican Yea
David C. Farnsworth Republican Yea
David Gowan Republican Yea
Frank Carroll Republican Yea
Hildy Angius Republican Yea
J.D. Mesnard Republican Yea
Jake Hoffman Republican Yea
Janae Shamp Republican Not Voting
John Kavanagh Republican Yea
Kevin Payne Republican Yea
Mark Finchem Republican Yea
Shawnna Bolick Republican Yea
Thomas "T.J." Shope Republican Yea
Timothy "Tim" Dunn Republican Yea
Venden "Vince" Leach Republican Yea
Warren Petersen Republican Yea
Wendy Rogers Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

education
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 1026?
SB 1026 is sponsored by David C. Farnsworth (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 1026?
This bill died with 57th Legislature - Second Regular Session. It reached “Passed Senate” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 1026?
Track SB 1026 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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