AZ SB1506

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

Allows institutions to inquire about criminal history only after an applicant has been determined qualified for admission, and only for purposes of acceptance/denial decisions or offering rehabilitative counseling and support services.

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

Requires institutions 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.

Applies to community colleges and universities under the Arizona Board of Regents; defines "criminal history" to include citations, arrests, and all criminal or juvenile court records regardless of guilt findings.