Assigned to ED & APPROP                                                                                          FOR COMMITTEE

 

 


 

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Phoenix, Arizona

 

FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1269

 

special education; institutional placement

 

Purpose

 

            Modifies the definition of “special education” to include students between the ages of three and twenty-two years for the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB).

 

Background

 

            ASDB was established in 1912 and became a state agency in 1929.  The school receives state funding for its 18,050 students through legislative appropriations, including group B weights, and special education institutional vouchers. The State currently issues institutional vouchers for ASDB to special education students kindergarten through grade twelve, pursuant to rules adopted by the State Board of Education.

 

S.B. 1269 expands the age range of students eligible to receive these funds by qualifying preschoolers ages three and four for institutional vouchers.  While current legislative appropriations cover expenses for three and four-year old special education students, S.B. 1269 transfers this funding with institutional vouchers for three and four-year olds, according to ASDB.

 

The fiscal impact to the state general fund in unknown at this time.  A fiscal note has been requested.

 

Provisions

 

1.      Modifies the definition of “special education” to include students between the ages of three and twenty-two years for the ASDB.

 

2.      Provides for a general effective date.

 

 

Prepared by Senate Staff

February 20, 2001