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Committee moves to reauthorize adult high-school and workforce training programs; funding questions remain
Summary
A committee discussed Senate Bill 10-84 to remove a July 1, 2025 termination date for three adult education programs while debating funding and enrollment caps.
Senate Committee members discussed a bill aimed at reauthorizing three adult education programs and adjusting related funding and reporting rules.
Senate Bill 10-84, described by staff as an emergency measure, would repeal the 07/01/2025 termination date for the continuing high school and workforce training program, the adult workforce diploma program, and the community college adult education workforce development program. Staff said the bill also "expands reporting requirements for high school program and diploma program schools, reduces the enrollment cap for high school program schools, limits participation in the diploma program to students who reside in Arizona, caps per student funding in the diploma program at $6,000, and reduces the $250 milestone funding amount to $200," and that an appropriations committee amendment removed all appropriations and reverted a community college per-student cap to $3,000.
Why it matters: Committee members said statutory authorization is needed for programs that help adults earn diplomas and postsecondary credentials. Chairman Gross said the programs "can certainly help adults get back on track" but that funding details remain unresolved. Executive budget proposals were discussed: one executive proposal included $2,000,000 for each program, the executive had requested $6,000,000 for each program, and the committee's version included no funding. A member said some providers pushed back on enrollment caps because the Department of Education does not yet track enrollments reliably.
Discussion and next steps: Members agreed the statutory framework is necessary while budget conversations continue. Staff and legislators said they would continue talks with program providers and the Department of Education as the budgeting process progresses. No committee vote was recorded during this session.
Ending: The bill remains in committee pending further budget negotiations and stakeholder consultation.
