The proposed bill would amend current statutes to expand the School Safety Program by including support for the costs associated with implementing a policy to limit the use of cell phones in school classrooms. Specifically, it would insert new language that requires school districts or charter schools to submit a program proposal that includes a detailed description of their safety needs, a plan for implementing the cell phone policy, and information on the success of previous grants if applicable. This addition aims to enhance the existing framework of the program, which currently focuses on funding for school resource officers, juvenile probation officers, counselors, and social workers.

Additionally, the bill would require the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to evaluate and report on these new program proposals in the same manner as it does for existing proposals related to SROs and JPOs. The bill also makes technical and conforming changes to ensure consistency across the statutes. Overall, the updates aim to create a more comprehensive approach to school safety by addressing the role of cell phone usage in classrooms.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-154, 15-155, 41-2534, 35-190
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-154, 15-155, 41-2534, 35-190