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, ensuring that funds are continuously appropriated and exempt from lapsing.

Current statutes that prohibit carrying weapons on school grounds would be amended to allow school administrators to authorize employees to carry firearms, provided they meet specific training and certification requirements outlined in the new section. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of personal identifying information for participating employees and protects them from civil or criminal liability when acting in defense during crises. Furthermore, it mandates biannual reporting on the program's implementation and effectiveness, including the number of certified employees and available funds.

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