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REFERENCE TITLE: middle school students; civics; instruction |
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State of Arizona Senate Fifty-sixth Legislature First Regular Session 2023
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SB 1054 |
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Introduced by Senator Gowan
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An Act
amending title 15, chapter 7, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-718.02; appropriating monies; relating to school instruction.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Title 15, chapter 7, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-718.02, to read:
15-718.02. Arizona civics education and leadership development program; instructional service providers; requirements; annual reports; fund; exemption
A. The Arizona civics education and leadership development program is established within the department of education to provide civics education and leadership development training to MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO ARE ENROLLED IN A SCHOOL DISTRICT, CHARTER SCHOOL OR PRIVATE SCHOOL in this state.
B. The department of education shall develop procedures for eligible nonprofit organizations to apply to be instructional service providers for the Arizona civics education and leadership development program. The department may approve an application if the eligible nonprofit organization successfully demonstrates that the organization meets all of the following:
1. Is a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code.
2. Has provided American civics education instruction to students who are at least ten years of age for at least five years.
3. Advances American democracy through multigenerational civics education, civil discourse and civic engagement.
4. Can provide instruction on American civics education and leadership development training to middle school students who are enrolled in a school district, charter school or private school in this state. The instruction and training must do all of the following:
(a) Promote civil service.
(b) Prepare students for the duties of citizenship.
(c) Provide opportunities to identify and debate issues relating to democracy.
(d) Include instruction on any of the following:
(i) The history of the United States of America, the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
(ii) The Declaration of Independence.
(iii) The composition of the branches of local, state and federal government.
(iv) The roles and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy.
C. On or before November 1 of each year, each eligible nonprofit organization that is approved to be an instructional service provider pursuant to subsection B of this section shall submit a report to the department of education that describes the following with respect to the Arizona civics education and leadership development program:
1. The number and types of activities conducted.
2. The number of students served.
3. The outcomes achieved.
D. The department of education shall compile the reports that it receives pursuant to subsection C of this section and submit the compiled reports to the governor, the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives and shall submit a copy of the compiled reports to the secretary of state.
E. The Arizona civics education and leadership development fund is established consisting of legislative appropriations and gifts, grants and donations to the fund. The department of education shall administer the fund and distribute monies from the fund to eligible nonprofit organizations that provide instructional services pursuant to this section. Eligible nonprofit organizations shall use monies from the fund for stipends for civics leaders and counselors, wages for program staff, educational materials, food, beverages, clothing and transportation. Monies in the fund are continuously appropriated and are exempt from the provisions of section 35-190 relating to lapsing of appropriations.
Sec. 2. Appropriation; Arizona civics education and leadership development fund; exemption
A. The sum of $300,000 is appropriated from the state general fund in fiscal year 2023-2024 to the Arizona civics education and leadership development fund established by section 15-718.02, Arizona Revised Statutes, as added by this act.
B. The appropriation made in subsection A of this section is exempt from the provisions of section 35-190, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to lapsing of appropriations.