The proposed bill, if enacted, would establish a new School Mapping Data Program within the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to enhance emergency response capabilities on school campuses. It would require the development of standardized requirements for school mapping data, ensuring that the data is accurate, standardized, and accessible to public safety agencies. Key provisions include ensuring compatibility with existing software used by public safety agencies, prohibiting fees for access to the data, and mandating that the data includes detailed floor plans, site-specific labels, and critical utility locations. Additionally, schools would be required to develop and annually review their mapping data, certifying its accuracy or updating it as necessary.

The bill also creates a School Mapping Data Program Fund, which would be continuously appropriated and exempt from lapsing, allowing schools to apply for grants to cover the costs of developing the required mapping data. The legislation specifies that the mapping data produced is not a public record and is exempt from public disclosure. Furthermore, it appropriates $10,360,000 from the state General Fund for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to support the program. Overall, the bill aims to improve the safety and preparedness of schools in Arizona by ensuring that emergency responders have access to accurate and comprehensive mapping data.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-231.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-231.01