AZ SB1596

Requires all personnel at qualified schools accepting Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds to obtain a valid fingerprint clearance card and be eligible for school district employment under section 15-505, subsection D, with instructional staff needing a bachelor's degree, three years teaching experience, or specialized skills in their subject area.

Establishes annual audits by the Auditor General of qualified schools for fingerprint compliance, with noncompliant schools required to reimburse the department for all ESA monies received in the previous school year.

Adds reporting requirements for qualified schools including graduation rates, excessive absence percentages, disclosure of special education services to prospective students with disabilities, and provision of individualized education program or section 504 plan accommodations.

Implements financial reporting and transparency requirements for qualified schools, including financial performance audits similar to those required for school districts, with a new financial transparency portal to be developed by the department.

Establishes a legislative program review process for the ESA program to occur by July 1, 2033 and every ten years thereafter, including performance audits by the Auditor General to assess program efficiency and achievement of original objectives.