The proposed bill, SB1558, mandates that individuals applying for employment at any public or private school in Arizona must disclose to prospective employers if they have pled guilty, no contest, been convicted of, or are awaiting trial for certain offenses. These offenses include dangerous crimes against children, sexual abuse or assault of a minor, sexual conduct with a minor, any crime requiring sex offender registration, or any preparatory offenses related to these crimes. Additionally, the bill specifies that it is a defense to a prosecution for failing to disclose offenses committed in another state or territory if the individual's failure was due to a good faith mistake of law.

The bill introduces significant changes to the current law by establishing this disclosure requirement and classifying a violation as a class 6 felony. It also defines "school" for the purposes of this section to include school districts, charter schools, or private schools that provide instruction from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The bill aims to enhance the safety and integrity of the school employment process by ensuring that schools are aware of applicants' criminal backgrounds related to child endangerment and sexual offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-509
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-509
House Engrossed Version: 15-509
Chaptered Version: 15-509