Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signs 32 bills to close out legislative session
Jun 5, 2020, 6:00 PM
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed 32 bills Friday to close out the state’s legislative session.
The bills included expanding the Arizona Teachers Academy, enhancing suicide prevention training for schools, improving oversight for the 529 Family College Savings Program and more.
“Arizona once again showed this year how to put politics aside and come together when it matters most,” Ducey said in a press release Friday.
“Facing unprecedented public health and economic challenges due to COVID-19, lawmakers prioritized passing a fiscally responsible budget, ensuring funding for our public health response, and expanding assistance to those in need.”
The Arizona Legislature ended the second regular session in May to focus on the state’s response to coronavirus.
Senate Bill 1492 will expand the Arizona Teachers Academy to allow more students who commit to teaching in an Arizona public school to graduate from college debt free.
The expansion extends participation by allowing students pursing all majors to enter the program. It will also allow graduates to teach at schools that primarily serve public school students.
Senate Bill 1528 will transfer the 529 Family College Savings Program, tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future education costs, to the State Treasurer to help improve oversight and administration for the program. It will also expand the program to cover expenses related to apprenticeships.
Senate Bill 1445 will require suicide awareness and prevention training for all school counselors and social workers.
During the second regular session, the governor signed 90 bills, which was an all-time low according to the release. There were no vetoes.
