AZ SB1237

Expands eligibility for empowerment scholarship accounts to include children currently eligible for kindergarten who reside within attendance boundaries of schools rated D or F, and allows independent third-party evaluation to determine disability status in addition to school district identification.

Modifies permissible uses of scholarship account funds to include tutoring or teaching services from accredited individuals or facilities, and allows educational therapies for students meeting specific disability criteria as determined by school districts or independent third parties.

Changes quarterly transfer requirement for scholarship funds to allow the department to use alternative transfer schedules if determined necessary for program operation.

Requires the department to contract with an independent third party to determine student eligibility for educational therapies and services under the empowerment scholarship account program.

Updates language in section 15-802 regarding school attendance to include empowerment scholarship account participation as a valid educational option and clarifies reporting requirements to county superintendents.