HB 2253 Summary

• Amends section 43-1603, Arizona Revised Statutes, regarding School Tuition Organization (STO) scholarships and donor recommendations.

• Prohibits STOs from awarding scholarships solely on the basis of donor recommendations, though donor recommendations may be considered as one factor among others in evaluating applications.

• Requires STOs to include a notice in printed materials, applications, and websites stating that scholarships cannot be awarded solely on a donor's recommendation and that taxpayers cannot swap donations to benefit their own dependents.

• Requires STOs to consider financial need of applicants when evaluating applications and awarding scholarships.