HB 4120 would require the Arizona Department of Education to adopt policies and procedures allowing it to verify whether an individual is a high school graduate using information submitted to the student accountability information system by Arizona schools. The bill adds this verification function to the department’s existing disclosure authority and requires that any verification process comply with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
The bill also authorizes the department to charge fees for providing graduation verification services and allows it to limit the service to no more than 100 requests per calendar year. Beginning March 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, ADE must report to the governor and legislative leaders on the number of requests received, the number fulfilled, and the costs and revenues associated with the service.
Impact
HB 4120 would amend Title 15 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by creating a new section governing high school graduation verification through the student accountability information system. It would expand ADE’s administrative responsibilities, permit fee collection for verification services, and establish a cap on the number of requests the department must handle each year. The bill would also create an annual reporting requirement to track demand, service volume, and financial performance, while preserving student privacy protections under FERPA.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of committee discussion or recorded votes, the available record suggests a neutral, administrative proposal rather than a controversial policy change. The measure appears aimed at creating a formal process for graduation verification and giving ADE discretion over service limits and fees. No opposition or support was documented in the provided materials.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the fee authority, the 100-request annual cap, and the privacy implications of using student data for verification. Supporters would likely view the bill as a practical way to provide official graduation confirmation for employers, agencies, or other third parties, while critics may question whether ADE should charge for the service or whether the request limit could restrict access. FERPA compliance is built into the bill, but data privacy and administrative burden remain the most likely areas of concern.