The proposed bill, SB1286, amends existing election laws in Arizona by requiring state, county, city, town, and school district offices, as well as district schools with gymnasiums, to provide sufficient space for polling places upon request from election officials. It removes the authority of school principals to deny such requests based on space availability or safety concerns. Additionally, the bill mandates that district schools close on primary and general election days, while teachers and staff are required to conduct in-service training on those days and are prohibited from using personal or vacation leave.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that schools requested for polling places are exempt from any local or state regulations that would restrict their use as such. It also defines "gymnasium" specifically as a facility suitable for sporting events, excluding cafeterias and auditoriums. The bill eliminates the previous provision allowing the county board of supervisors to use voting centers in place of designated polling places, thereby reinforcing the requirement for schools to serve as polling locations during elections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-801, 16-411, 16-531, 16-201, 16-211, 16-402, 16-544, 16-579.02, 16-579, 16-452, 16-515, 16-204
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-801, 16-411, 16-531, 16-201, 16-211, 16-402, 16-544, 16-579.02, 16-579, 16-452, 16-515, 16-204
House Engrossed Version: 15-801, 16-411, 16-531, 16-201, 16-211, 16-402, 16-544, 16-579.02, 16-579, 16-452, 16-515, 16-204