Assigned to ED                                                                                           AS PASSED BY THE SENATE

 

 

 

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Phoenix, Arizona

 

REVISED

FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1056

 

charter schools; political activities; prohibition

 

Purpose

 

            Prohibits charter schools from using school resources to influence the outcome of elections, and provides the Attorney General enforcement authority to fine school districts and charter schools that are out of compliance with laws prohibiting the use of school resources to influence elections.

 

Background

           

Arizona law currently prohibits school districts from using personnel, equipment, materials, buildings or other resources to influence the outcome of elections.  Charter schools are not specifically mentioned in the statute.  S.B. 1056 includes charter schools to this section of the law.  Additionally, S.B. 1056 requires the Attorney General to investigate and fine school districts or charter schools that are out of compliance with this section one percent of the total administration budget and directs the money to the classroom site fund established pursuant to Laws 2000, Fifth Special Session, Chapter 1.

 

            There is no fiscal impact to the state general fund associated with this bill.

           

Provisions

 

1.      Prohibits charter schools from using school resources or employees to influence the outcome of elections.

 

2.      Provides the Attorney General enforcement authority to investigate reports of school districts or charter schools that are out of compliance with laws prohibiting the use of school resources to influence elections.

 

3.      Requires the Attorney General to fine school districts or charter schools that are out of compliance one percent of the total administration budget.  Directs that these monies be distributed to the classroom site fund.

 

4.      Adds individuals and corporations to the existing statute that prohibits anything in this section of law from being construed to deny the civil and political liberties guaranteed by the U.S. and Arizona Constitutions.

 

5.      Makes technical and conforming changes.

 

6.      Provides for a general effective date.

 

 

 

Amendments Adopted by Committee

 

Adds individuals and corporations to the existing statute that prohibits anything in this section of law from being construed to deny the civil and political liberties guaranteed by the U.S. and Arizona Constitutions.

 

Amendments Adopted by Committee of the Whole

 

1.      Provides the Attorney General enforcement authority to investigate reports of school districts or charter schools that are out of compliance with laws prohibiting the use of school resources to influence elections.

 

2.      Requires the Attorney General to fine school districts or charter schools that are out of compliance one percent of the total administration budget.  Directs that these monies be distributed to the classroom site fund.

 

 

Senate Action

 

ED                   1/18/01            DPA    7-0-1-0

3rd Read           2/5/01                          29-0-1-0

 

 

 

Prepared by Senate Staff

February 14, 2001