EDITOR'S NOTE: While this list is extensive, it is not complete and will continue to be updated. Know of any legislation that's not on this list? Let us know here.
February
- The Senate Finance Committee passed two bills that would grow the state's voucher-style program. One bill would change some eligibility limits, while another would give the state treasurer's office some oversight of the program.
- Some teachers' records of immoral or unprofessional conduct could be disclosed to schools or district's they've applied to under a Senate proposal.
- Students from the Arizona chapter of March for Our Lives, which formed in the aftermath of the Parkland school shooting, drafted their own bill to drive greater school safety. House Bill 2597 would push for improved mental health services in schools, as well as require schools to adopt safe schools plans by the 2022-23 school year.
- Current state policy says if students pass an AP exam and get college credit, the teachers who taught those students in relevant courses leading up to the AP class, as well as the AP teacher, get bonuses. But under a Senate bill, would change the way the system is structured.
- Under a state Senate bill, district and charter schools would be able to administer prescription medication in emergency situations without a parent or guardian's permission.
- State Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Phoenix, proposed a bill that would repeal current restrictions on AIDS education in schools.
- A personal finance requirement for high school graduation could be in the works, thanks to a Senate bill.
- Other bills would add flexibility to English language learner instruction and conduct a statewide survey on full-day kindergarten, which Arizona doesn't currently fund.
January
- After beginning its session on Jan. 14, the state legislature has a slew of education-related measures to consider. Rep. John Fillmore, R-Apache Junction, sponsored a bill that would hold public school districts to the same procurement standards as charter schools — even though there aren’t many charter-specific standards.
- To address a lack of funding, Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Snowflake, proposed a penny tax that would bring in more than $1 billion annually to Arizona’s K-12 system. And after the state passed a measure last session that raised teacher salaries by 20%, the legislature still needs to iron out whether non-teaching staff will get raises and whether the state is adequately funding schools’ structural and educational needs.
- Republican Gov. Doug Ducey may resurface a safety plan that would allow certain individuals to seek court orders against people they deem dangerous. After that, law enforcement would confiscate any weapons, as well as lock up a person for 21 days and subject them to a mental evaluation. While not geared specifically to help prevent school shootings, Ducey's proposal is meant to quash all mass shootings.
- In light of increased teacher activism around the country, Rep. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, introduced a bill that would outlaw administrators from closing a school because of a strike.
- Rep. Mark Finchem, R-Oro Valley, wants the state Board of Education to create a code of ethics for teachers that would keep them from assuming advocacy roles.