The proposed bill would update current statutes by expanding the School Safety Program to include funding for school safety officers (SSOs) and related safety technology, training, and infrastructure improvements. It would require participating schools to develop emergency response plans and conduct school safety assessments every five years, and mandates that charter schools create emergency response plans that address the needs of students with disabilities. Additionally, the bill specifies training requirements for officers on school campuses regarding civil rights and mental health issues and introduces a process for alternative program proposals for schools unable to place traditional safety personnel. Moreover, the bill modifies existing statutes by expanding the definition of "officer" to include various categories of law enforcement personnel and introducing the term "school safety officer" for those working in an off-duty capacity. It also adds provisions for the development of emergency response plans and safety assessments, requiring the compilation of a list of approved safety assessment providers, and emphasizes collaboration between schools and local law enforcement. The bill aims to enhance safety and effectiveness in Arizona schools by updating training protocols and program requirements while exempting school building blueprints and floor plans from public records requests to improve security.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-120.05, 15-154, 15-154.02, 15-155, 15-183, 15-761, 41-2534, 35-190, 15-341
House Engrossed Version: 15-120.05, 15-154, 15-154.02, 15-155, 15-183, 15-761, 41-2534, 35-190, 15-341