Senate Bill 1527 Summary

• Amends community college credit course standards to clarify requirements for formal course outlines, student evaluation, faculty qualifications, and prerequisite competencies.

• Establishes Arizona Teacher Academy at universities under Arizona Board of Regents to provide tuition and fee waivers to resident students who commit to teaching in Arizona public schools, with repayment obligations if students fail to complete their teaching service requirement.

• Creates tuition waiver scholarships for persons currently or formerly in foster care (ages 16+, under 23) who meet residency, citizenship, asset, and academic progress requirements at universities and community colleges.

• Requires Arizona Board of Regents to conduct comprehensive cost studies and annual cost containment reports detailing tuition increases, faculty and administration costs, and course hour requirements for degree programs.

• Modifies community college property tax levy provisions to allow districts to resubmit proposed levy amounts to voters 20-35 years after initial approval, with increases phased in over three years up to double the originally authorized amount.