HB 2749 Summary

• Changes Arizona Promise Program from providing financial assistance to providing free postsecondary education for eligible in-state students enrolled in vocational, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree programs.

• Expands eligibility to include students who qualify for in-state status under section 15-1802 or 15-1803, with requirement to complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet federal Pell Grant eligibility if applicable.

• Establishes that the Arizona Board of Regents must guarantee awards for applicants enrolling in Arizona Board of Regents universities or tribal colleges, while community college districts must guarantee awards for applicants enrolling in their respective community colleges when appropriated monies are insufficient.

• Creates the Arizona Promise Program Fund for distributing awards covering remaining tuition and fees after other aid, administering the program, and marketing, with administrative costs capped at 3 percent of fund monies annually.

• Appropriates an unspecified amount from the general fund in fiscal year 2023-2024 to the program fund, with intent for ongoing funding in future years based on actual need to serve all eligible applicants.