Senate Engrossed   appropriation; STEM; learning; workforce development.

State of Arizona Senate Fifty-sixth Legislature First Regular Session 2023

SENATE BILL 1183

 

An Act

 

appropriating monies to the Arizona commerce authority.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Appropriation; Arizona commerce authority; STEM learning and workforce development opportunities; exemption; intent; report

A. The sum of $3,000,000 is appropriated from the state general fund in fiscal year 2023-2024 to the Arizona commerce authority to administer a grant program charged with cultivating STEM learning and STEM workforce development opportunities in this state.  The purpose of the grant program is to build STEM networks and hubs to leverage assets on every level of a community with this funding that gives priority to rural areas. In coordination with the department of education's career and technical education unit, the authority shall attempt to maximize and connect STEM learning and STEM workforce development opportunities provided by:

1. Entities in a county that have an established network of cross-institutional partners from business, education, community and government.

2. Schools and school districts for the purpose of teacher training in STEM literacy.

3. Out-of-school programs that cultivate a community STEM network.

4. Museums and science centers with expertise in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

5. Higher education institutions that offer workforce development in STEM fields.

6. Other entities that recognize the need for STEM competencies as recognized by the authority.

B. The appropriation made in subsection A of this section is exempt from the provisions of section 35-190, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to lapsing of appropriations.

C. The legislature intends that the appropriation made in subsection A of this section be considered ongoing funding in future years.

D. For the purposes of determining priority pursuant to subsection A of this section, "rural area" means a location that is one of the following:

1. Within the boundaries of tribal lands.

2. A city or town with a population of less than fifty thousand persons.

3. A county with a population of less than eight hundred thousand persons.

E. On or before December 31, 2023, the authority shall submit a report to the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives on the distribution of grant monies under this section and shall provide a copy of this report to the secretary of state.