[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6120303,"mediaKeyId","2708396-b86aa665a6d1a4ea5ef73cdce96edd09","parentId",2708396,"title","Committee splits on $3.5 million appropriation for Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture; SB 1083 fails","audioSeconds",1562,"startMs",1947000,"endMs",3509000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2708396-b86aa665a6d1a4ea5ef73cdce96edd09&start=1947&end=3509","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2708396-b86aa665a6d1a4ea5ef73cdce96edd09/thumbnail_1947000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6120303/Arizona/Committee-splits-on-35-million-appropriation-for-Yuma-Center-of-Excellence-for-Desert-Agriculture-SB-1083-fails","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6120303-457adf3f099f3747457e77a498461170/orig.mp4?Expires=1776435959&Signature=Ou~ebDlUqmTjae2flYlUE5OToH9G9h1bVfvCtHHQ1yTMtC5GiROfP~-4V-w6tWYgU6jXRWCFWF-VKOfL3hit4pAVaRcMHjrBiSvNlxKn2LZMbeAXaPTFglcn71ZY~dW4Xfc76ZcwRGQ7CBypjxTA6BWC2lhVhNvdEPa0kv34GECmx9pVH8L5CPl4HDtWaTKOiLzpPFrzXTS4qmm12-mRt~cAQ-hooO7EPrMP5EXoFjyzt4vES7iCyiMeVi1SoEbsSuQ6FASnp45EGeQPgIzvVUtmMH-cP63w05dox6t-FXM4Ba5YbuIW1m3P3dW7sM7N9GnTvDhj-M1fARGaF-ZPmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Arizona State Legislature","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Arizona House Education Committee considered Senate Bill 10‑83, a proposal to appropriate $3,500,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2026 to the University of Arizona for the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA). The committee heard detailed testimony from the bill sponsor and YCEDA leadership and then declined to advance the bill.

Senator Tim Dunn, the sponsor, said the center is a public‑private partnership formed about 10 years ago to address water, soil health and production challenges unique to Yuma’s winter vegetable industry. He described YCEDA as a “special operations” research unit that partners with University of Arizona faculty, industry and federal agencies to pilot region‑specific solutions for arid agriculture.

Dr. Tanya Hodges, identified in testimony as executive director of WICIDA / the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture and a University of Arizona employee, said the requested $3.5 million would scale a suite of roughly 10 priority initiatives — for example, a Desert Soil Health Initiative (DASHI), water‑use efficiency projects and field‑scale trials — and provide “engine” funding to hire researchers, pay overhead and enable rapid response to urgent problems. Hodges said the center’s operating overhead is roughly $500,000 and that project grants and collaborative funding have totaled millions; she said the center had received about $7 million in grant awards and participated in $31 million in collaborative efforts.

Committee members focused on two questions: how the $3.5 million would be spent in year one, and whether the appropriation should be made while state universities experienced budget cuts. Representative Fink asked for a detailed short‑term expenditure plan; Hodges and Senator Dunn said the YCEDA board has an internal expenditure plan and that the appropriation is designed to grow research capacity and leverage additional grant funding. Lawmakers pressed whether the funds would go to overhead, direct research, salaries, or to leverage other grants. Hodges said the funding would be used for a mix of hiring, startup research and to build initiatives that attract outside grants.

Several members expressed concerns about state priorities. Representative Gutierrez and others noted recent cuts to university budgets and questioned whether special program funding should take priority over core university funding or school nutrition programs; some members asked whether the University of Arizona itself should provide more base funding. Representative Olsen and Representative Marshall said they supported the program goals but were uncomfortable approving a $3.5 million ongoing appropriation without a detailed line‑item plan or measures of success.

After public comment and questioning, the committee voted 5 ayes and 7 nos; the chair announced the bill failed to pass the committee. Members and the sponsor agreed to continue dialogue and to provide additional information to the committee for future consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","03/18/2025 - House Education","oneSentenceSummary","The House Education Committee voted to defeat Senate Bill 10‑83 after hearing testimony on a $3.5 million ongoing appropriation to the University of Arizona for the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature Arizona, Arizona","taxId",78572,"location","Arizona","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6120308,"House education committee gives SB 1301 due pass to require instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history",1723,184000,1907000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2708396-b86aa665a6d1a4ea5ef73cdce96edd09&start=184&end=1907","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2708396-b86aa665a6d1a4ea5ef73cdce96edd09/thumbnail_184000.jpg","/articles/6120308/Arizona/House-education-committee-gives-SB-1301-due-pass-to-require-instruction-on-Asian-American-Native-Hawaiian-and-Pacific-Islander-history","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6120308-af88c969309164db2ac44407e748be2b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776435959&Signature=R4b-hakN7Z1-gw5fKlfJxPbJd3sTSzbRZhKjsEn4vFwg2ORTgA3M8-m5c59bkfFuFTSuegrWAGHpHyLTd2cK-JLr4l-RaMIPMk8xK7gS-tIFytzIj5MVSZI~g-qIB8mnIpNT9U2KND~cJm1w7Hjpflg84W1MD~7HTQLX-fmykWN3Lyul3tJx~ShNG0Rp0FMBPgQhWJ9X9QkjElCc45PqaocGs~1e4v7Gs~MS7iHHcQPOCRjbod-cU1mKE1piQcvleI5HY8mZw30OXQmvF~J59EudDE7sIkpfR8~~uQ~CvpbBfw5FziV0wvLM5-lYDVxWJPFhaEsHE9rlRt8OJkxOXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Arizona House Education Committee voted to return Senate Bill 13‑01 with a due‑pass recommendation after public testimony both for and against the measure and comments from the bill sponsor.

SB 13‑01 would require instruction on the history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in Arizona public school curricula. The bill directs the Arizona Department of Education and the State Board of Education to require, by June 14, 2029, and annually thereafter, that school districts and charter schools attest that the instruction is planned, ongoing and systematic. The measure does not prescribe a specific number of hours or require a particular grade level; it says the State Board will set standards and that local educators and communities will participate in developing content.

Senator John Kavanagh, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure fills a gap in current standards, which he said mention Asian Americans minimally and omit Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. “There is currently no requirement anywhere in the curriculum to teach anything about Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders,” Kavanagh said. He described the proposal as limited in scope — not a full semester course — and said it leaves curricular decisions to educators and community stakeholders.

Supporters said the measure would increase representation and help reduce prejudice. Andy Lim, who identified himself as president of a community organization, called SB 13‑01 “a critical piece of legislation” that would help combat anti‑Asian hate by teaching students historical contributions and context. Dalton Walker, a 10‑year‑old public school student, and family members also spoke in favor, saying instruction would help students understand classmates’ backgrounds.

Opponents urged caution about process and local control. Noah James Markham, speaking as a Native Hawaiian, asked the committee to ensure the State Board of Education and educators follow “the right procedures” and consult affected communities. Several representatives who explained their votes told the committee they favored State Board involvement in standards and were concerned about unfunded mandates and teacher training. Representative Abathia and others said curriculum adoption should follow established State Board and local school board review processes; Representative Gutierrez, a classroom teacher, said the bill does not include funding or training to prepare teachers and called it an “unfunded mandate.”

After questions and discussion, the committee voted to return the bill with a due‑pass recommendation. The roll call result recorded by the secretary was 7 ayes, 4 nos, 1 present, 0 absent.

The bill will now proceed through the legislative process with the committee’s recommendation; the statute would require the State Board of Education and ADE to phase in attestations beginning in 2029, aligning with the next social studies standards update, according to testimony.

Votes at this hearing reflected the split between members who wanted the State Board to act to fill a perceived curriculum gap and members who urged guaranteeing local‑level review, added resources and teacher training before imposing a statewide requirement.","The Arizona House Education Committee voted to return Senate Bill 13‑01 with a due‑pass recommendation after testimony for and against a measure that would require instruction on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in public school curricula.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":46,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6120294,"Votes at a glance: key education and related bills heard March 14, 2025",1611,1898000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2708396-b86aa665a6d1a4ea5ef73cdce96edd09&start=1898&end=3509","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2708396-b86aa665a6d1a4ea5ef73cdce96edd09/thumbnail_1898000.jpg","/articles/6120294/Arizona/Votes-at-a-glance-key-education-and-related-bills-heard-March-14-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6120294-293224d40cae5b4225ecc55d0e670d77/orig.mp4?Expires=1776435959&Signature=onDhE6DGd6abVFOq0stmEk9YeCwWu6sxynWBbmdLPOJGZuLouOi~MoNtHOJT41odMtvHyVLLkqAsDkVWRPqGB27QxcdobGPGHwGmJ32XlUM1AYU09lWTsXoOJdKzBCgD~RzYLX3mm~8Hn0Je49~rpEcQ2BcTZGYxHIjIVwUIX2-8d~ue3mlNcP~tWq5AYEDWNY6EeBOA3oxtPqDrOxCQErLdRS3jtCkoGcJG7EB67DgmMTho-behqMhNLvT1bhNA4mPdaCyWVQk9KIw9IOFW56b67~K2rS8-BgxJIYbx5dGlScsdShsE2o02BnjvvPWKAwVeLGotUX1kFonF3tEr6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Arizona House Education Committee considered a series of bills on March 14, 2025. Below are concise outcomes, the motion recorded in committee, and the committee vote tallies as announced by the secretary at the hearing.

SB 12‑47 (Tobacco age—conform to federal law)
- Motion: Return SB 12‑47 as amended (Gress Strike Everything Amendment) with a due pass recommendation.
- Outcome: Approved by committee.
- Tally: 11 ayes, 1 no, 0 absent.
- Notes: Amendment conforms state minimum age to federal minimum age of 21 for tobacco sales; testimony cited federal Tobacco‑21 law and youth access enforcement (Synar grant).

SB 13‑58 (Charter school access and fingerprinting definitions)
- Motion: Return SB 13‑58 as amended with a due pass recommendation.
- Outcome: Approved by committee.
- Tally: 11 ayes, 0 nos, 1 absent.
- Notes: Defines charter representatives, governing body members and related roles for fingerprint‑clearance and access purposes; amendment clarifies access is as allowed by the charter holder.

SB 15‑02 (Literacy endorsement in teacher prep for special education)
- Motion: Return SB 15‑02 with a due pass recommendation.
- Outcome: Approved by committee.
- Tally: 12 ayes, 0 nos, 0 absent.
- Notes: Requires approved educator preparation programs in mild/moderate special education to include courses necessary to obtain the K–5 literacy endorsement.

SB 15‑04 (Community college baccalaureate reporting)
- Motion: Return SB 15‑04 with a due pass recommendation.
- Outcome: Approved by committee.
- Tally: 12 ayes, 0 nos, 0 absent.
- Notes: Requires districts that offer baccalaureates to report disaggregated enrollment, completions and projections by program.

SB 15‑05 (Braille competency standards)
- Motion: Return SB 15‑05 with a due pass recommendation.
- Outcome: Approved by committee.
- Tally: 12 ayes, 0 nos, 0 absent.
- Notes: Directs the State Board of Education to require educators serving blind or visually impaired students to demonstrate Braille competency via a national UEB exam or comparable university test.

SB 15‑08 (Bullying, harassment, intimidation definitions)
- Motion: Return SB 15‑08 with a due pass recommendation.
- Outcome: Approved by committee.
- Tally: 8 ayes, 4 nos, 0 absent.
- Notes: Establishes statutory definitions districts must include in policies; testimony raised concerns about existing district policies and whether charter schools should be included.

SB 10‑83 (Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture appropriation)
- Motion: Return SB 10‑83 with a due pass recommendation.
- Outcome: Failed in committee.
- Tally: 5 ayes, 7 nos, 0 absent.
- Notes: Requested $3,500,000 ongoing to University of Arizona for YCEDA; committee asked for detailed expenditure plan and measures of success.

SB 13‑01 (AAPI instruction requirement)
- Motion: Return SB 13‑01 with a due pass recommendation.
- Outcome: Approved by committee.
- Tally: 7 ayes, 4 nos, 1 present, 0 absent.
- Notes: Requires instruction on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders; bill tasks State Board of Education and ADE with implementation and annual attestations beginning June 14, 2029.

SB 16‑94 (Bar DEI courses at public universities)
- Motion: Return SB 16‑94 with a due pass recommendation.
- Outcome: Approved by committee.
- Tally: 7 ayes, 5 nos, 0 absent.
- Notes: Bill would make institutions ineligible for state monies in fiscal years where they “offer courses on diversity, equity and inclusion;” testimony raised First Amendment and accreditation concerns.","Summary of roll‑call outcomes from the Arizona House Education Committee for bills considered during the March 14 hearing, including appropriation, curriculum, public health and school safety measures.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6120299,"Committee approves bill to bar DEI courses at public colleges; debate centers on academic freedom and workforce implications",1571,6858000,8429000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2708396-b86aa665a6d1a4ea5ef73cdce96edd09&start=6858&end=8429","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2708396-b86aa665a6d1a4ea5ef73cdce96edd09/thumbnail_6858000.jpg","/articles/6120299/Arizona/Committee-approves-bill-to-bar-DEI-courses-at-public-colleges-debate-centers-on-academic-freedom-and-workforce-implications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6120299-0fd2eb23a940b52934090def0f7ad52a/orig.mp4?Expires=1776435960&Signature=mx4Tuk6itmNETv6mgpg8WEfqzW-irIPRWX8dbAc~jQxyHYNCuNV1MPfJjgg2t7Bs90WsvvY5EOpKNhPJeumFvezqiFnkbdVmdZoGI~psV~REyVQtTA1r7z2jSwuzNAOtMGSfDv8O5Dxtymr4lUHqeITqs15dFi93hHbYbFsrbuVA-D7mMpY-fqMI39AaTAmtRDsqhlNEKoTV3lGsDGiXruSqHSLcwZ6lNcNdZ-7xpS-6oDLL1Y4uQ9rWQJppHhZkBMRamfcXSlESWA1A~N79EPppi9kz1nD-A0So9ZOrNy37lhOSx7Bv6gAlLefQhJrIbb1YtzYbbEsmyZjdiTgBwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Education Committee voted to give Senate Bill 16‑94 a do‑pass recommendation after an extended discussion about academic freedom, workforce training and the meaning of ‘‘DEI’’ in higher education.

SB 16‑94 declares a public Arizona university or community college ineligible to receive state monies in any fiscal year in which it “offers courses on diversity, equity and inclusion,” and provides a list of topics and phrases the bill’s sponsors say characterize such courses. Supporters said the bill would curb ideological training they view as divisive and outside the core mission of state institutions. Representative Graham (speaker for the record) and other backers argued that state funds should not support curricula that, in their view, promote particular ideologies about race, gender or national identity.

Opponents called the measure an unconstitutional restriction on speech and academic freedom with practical consequences for student learning and professional licensure. Natalia Brown of the ACLU of Arizona testified the bill is “viewpoint discrimination” and would chill debate and instruction; she urged lawmakers to vote no. Representative Abathia warned the bill could jeopardize accreditation for social‑work programs that require coursework aligned with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards and therefore could prevent graduates from becoming licensed social workers. Representative Gutierrez, a member of the committee, said the measure’s list of allowed and disallowed topics is internally inconsistent — the bill would permit study of historical race‑based injustices such as slavery but would restrict modern analyses of structural inequities — and would “eliminate us from existence in history books,” particularly affecting Indigenous students and tribal histories.

Lawmakers raised practical concerns about enforcement, accreditation and workforce readiness. Several members said the bill’s undefined or vague language could create a chilling effect in classrooms and research. Supporters said a clear statutory bar is needed to prevent what they described as ideology masquerading as pedagogy; opponents said the bill overreaches and harms students and public institutions.

By committee roll call, the measure advanced with 7 ayes and 5 nos. Committee members and witnesses agreed the issue would be litigated and debated further as it moves through the Legislature.","Senate Bill 16‑94, which would make public universities and community colleges ineligible for state funds if they offer courses described as \"on diversity, equity and inclusion,\" passed the committee after extensive debate over academic freedom, accreditation and the definition of DEI.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee splits on $3.5 million appropriation for Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture; SB 1083 fails

House education committee gives SB 1301 due pass to require instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history

Votes at a glance: key education and related bills heard March 14, 2025

Committee approves bill to bar DEI courses at public colleges; debate centers on academic freedom and workforce implications