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ArizonaHB 4161Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular SessionHouseWALLET

higher education; 2026-2027

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

2026-2027abor (see also: arizona board of regents)arizona board of regents (abor)arizona veterinary loan assistance programcommunity college districtseducation - title 15financial aid trust fundhigher educationrequired state matchstate aid for science, technology, engineering and mathematics and workforce programsstem (see also: science, technology, engineering and mathematics)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

14 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 3 costs, 5 mixed.

Up to $200K for vet school loans

Veterinarians with a DVM earned after January 1, 2023 who pass Arizona’s license exam can apply for loan help. You must agree to work full‑time in Arizona for four years, with at least two years in a USDA shortage area or a nonprofit, county, or city shelter. The award equals your remaining veterinary school loans or $200,000, whichever is less, paid in four equal yearly amounts after each year worked. Awards are first‑come, first‑served and depend on fund appropriations. The Board may use up to 3% for administration and reports by October 1 each year.

AP and IB credits count statewide

The Board, with community colleges, sets common rules so the same AP or IB scores earn the same college credit at public schools. The law does not list exact score cutoffs.

Lower state match on student surcharge

For fiscal year 2026‑2027 only, each $1 raised by the student registration fee surcharge may be matched by less than $2 from the state. This can reduce state‑supported student funds tied to that surcharge for that year.

145-credit limit rules for undergrads

The law sets an undergraduate threshold at 145 credits. It excludes programs that require more credits, credits toward up to two bachelor’s degrees, teaching certification, some state‑regulated licenses or certificates, many transfer credits, and students who return after 24 months. The Board reports each year by October 15 how many in‑state and out‑of‑state students meet or pass the threshold. This threshold and reporting can affect students who take many extra credits.

FY27 college funding set by budget

For fiscal year 2026‑2027, community college operating aid and STEM/workforce aid are set in the General Appropriations Act, not by the usual formulas. This one‑year change may raise or lower funding depending on that year’s budget.

Easier transfers for military families

The Board works with other states to make it easier for military personnel and their dependents to transfer records and get credit for finished coursework. Agreements may also let comparable exit exams meet graduation rules. Credit is not guaranteed.

More transparency on tuition and fees

The Board must hold at least one public hearing per university before changing tuition or academic fees. Notices and proposed increases must be posted at least 10 days before the hearing, and votes are by roll call. Tuition and fee money in a board‑approved operating budget goes into a state‑appropriated subaccount for that university. Other tuition and fee money stays in a local subaccount and can be spent only with board approval. Universities cannot use tuition or fee money to fund alumni associations. Budget requests must show estimated tuition and fee revenue using current rates and projected enrollment.

Universities must post all job openings

Each public university must publicly post every job opening. Each post must list the title, description, how to apply, and contact details.

Voluntary high school honors endorsement

The Board, with the State Board of Education, offers a voluntary honors endorsement for high‑school pupils. Students earn it by passing board‑adopted tests in math, English, science, and social studies. The endorsement is printed on the diploma and listed on transcripts.

Education majors must include SEI courses

University education programs must include the courses needed for a provisional Structured English Immersion endorsement, as set by the State Board of Education. This can add required courses or time before graduation.

Flags and founding documents in classrooms

Each classroom must display a U.S. flag made in the United States, at least 2 feet by 3 feet, with proper hardware. A legible copy of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights must be posted next to the flag.

Performance-based funding for universities

The Board uses a funding model that rewards increases in degrees, completed credit hours, and outside research and service money. The model can give extra weight to STEM and other high‑value degrees. The Board must use this model when it prepares university budget requests. The law does not itself set dollar amounts.

Regents can delegate decision-making power

The Board may give parts of its authority in writing to committees, university presidents, or their designees. The Board can take back any delegation at any time. This changes who makes day‑to‑day university rules.

Regents can keep $5 million yearly

The Board can retain up to $5,000,000 each fiscal year from the universities to run its office, unless lawmakers allow more. By November 1, 2025, and every year after, the Board must report how much it kept from each school, its spending plan, and prior‑year uses.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

  • David Livingston

    28 • House

  • Julie Willoughby

    13 • House

  • Michael Carbone

    25 • House

  • Neal Carter

    15 • House

  • Steve Montenegro

    29 • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 31 • No: 5

House vote • 6/11/2026

THIRD: Passed

Yes: 23 • No: 5

House vote • 6/10/2026

C&P

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    6/13/2026Governor

  2. Senate First Reading

    6/11/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading: Passed

    6/11/2026House

  4. Miscellaneous Motion: Passed

    6/11/2026House

  5. Third Reading: Passed

    6/11/2026House

  6. Committee of the Whole: do pass

    6/11/2026House

  7. House Second Reading

    6/10/2026House

  8. undefined: C&P

    6/10/2026House

  9. undefined: DP

    6/10/2026House

  10. House First Reading

    6/9/2026House

Bill Text

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