SB1435 is a bill that amends Arizona Revised Statutes regarding public entity liability for losses arising from criminal felonies committed by public employees. The bill specifies that a public entity can be held liable for losses resulting from a public employee's felonious sexual offense against a minor or a child with a disability if certain conditions are met. These conditions include the public entity violating statutory duties related to employee background checks, failing to report as required by statute, or failing to reasonably investigate or take action on policy violations related to the safety of minors or children with disabilities.
The bill also stipulates that these amendments apply only to sexual offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date. Furthermore, the bill includes a sunset provision, repealing the changes to public entity statutes on January 1, 2027. The bill has been vetoed by the Governor, who indicated that legislation expanding public entity liability needs to be carefully tailored and thoughtfully executed.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 12-820.05
Senate Engrossed Version: 12-820.05
House Engrossed Version: 12-820.05