AZ SB1436

Prohibits institutions of higher education from requesting criminal history information on initial admissions applications, except when using third-party applications if the institution posts notice it will not automatically deny admission based on criminal history.

Allows institutions to inquire about criminal history only after an applicant is otherwise determined qualified for admission, and only for purposes of determining admission eligibility or offering counseling and support services.

Prohibits institutions from automatically or unreasonably denying admission or restricting campus residency based on an applicant's criminal history.

Requires each institution to develop a written process for determining whether a relationship exists between an applicant's criminal history and a specific academic program or campus residency, considering the applicant's age, time elapsed, nature of offense, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Defines "criminal history" to include any records about citations, arrests, probable cause determinations, or criminal and juvenile court cases, regardless of guilt findings; applies to community colleges and Arizona Board of Regents universities.