The proposed bill would establish the "Save Our Children School Safety Program" within the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), allowing certified school employees at eligible schools to possess and carry firearms on school grounds. This program would require ADE, in consultation with the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST), to develop and maintain a list of training and certification programs that meet uniform standards. Additionally, the bill creates the Save Our Children School Safety Program Fund to provide reimbursements for training and safety equipment, with specific confidentiality protections for the personal information of participating employees.

Current statutes that prohibit carrying weapons on school grounds would be amended to allow for exceptions under the new program. Specifically, school administrators would be permitted to authorize employees to carry firearms if they meet the certification requirements outlined in the new section. The bill also mandates that ADE submit biannual reports on the program's implementation and effectiveness, including data on certified employees and funding availability. Overall, the bill aims to enhance school safety through structured training and certification while ensuring confidentiality and legal protections for participating employees.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-249.08, 15-341, 41-1822, 35-190, 13-3102, 15-717.01, 15-701, 15-701.01, 15-481, 15-491, 15-342, 15-1224, 15-1125, 15-1126, 15-1223, 13-3108, 13-3120, 15-764, 15-761, 13-706, 13-105, 15-157, 15-107, 2008-2009, 39-101, 36-2267, 3-365, 41-5701.02, 41-5711, 15-1102
House Engrossed Version: 15-249.08, 15-341, 41-1822, 35-190, 13-3102, 15-717.01, 15-701, 15-701.01, 15-481, 15-491, 15-342, 15-1224, 15-1125, 15-1126, 15-1223, 13-3108, 13-3120, 15-764, 15-761, 13-706, 13-105, 15-157, 15-107, 2008-2009, 39-101, 36-2267, 3-365, 41-5701.02, 41-5711, 15-1102