AZ HB2147

Establishes a five-year experienced teacher retention pilot program allowing eligible teachers to receive a 75% tuition discount at Arizona Board of Regents universities.

Eligible participants include certificated teachers with 10+ years of employment in Arizona schools, their spouses and dependents, and teachers with 3-10 years of service who pursue graduate education degrees in exchange for a 2-year service commitment.

Participants who fail to complete service requirements or have their teaching certificate revoked must repay the discounted tuition amount to the department of education.

Appropriates $2.5 million for fiscal year 2017-2018 and $5 million for each of fiscal years 2018-2019 through 2021-2022, with the department authorized to retain up to 2% for program administration.

Program expires December 31, 2023, with initial and final reports required by September 15, 2020 and 2023 respectively to evaluate program effectiveness and impact on teacher shortage.