This bill proposes several updates to current statutes regarding the temporary custody of juveniles and the training of law enforcement officers and security personnel in Arizona schools. Under the new provisions, the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), in collaboration with the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST), will be required to establish a training program for law enforcement officers and security personnel employed by school districts or charter schools. Each school district must mandate that these individuals complete the training within one month of their employment, although those who have completed the program within the last two years may be exempt from retaking it. Additionally, the bill allows for the termination of employees or contractors who fail to complete the training.

The bill also modifies the current notification requirements when a peace officer takes a juvenile into temporary custody on school property. It mandates that a school employee must notify the juvenile's parents or guardians after confirming with law enforcement that such notification would not pose a risk to the juvenile or the investigation. Furthermore, it clarifies definitions related to law enforcement officers and school safety officers, ensuring that certain roles are excluded from the definition of law enforcement officer. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-303
House Engrossed Version: 8-303, 15-249.08, 8-305, 13-3884, 15-101, 8-481
Senate Engrossed Version: 8-303, 15-249.08, 8-305, 13-3884, 15-101, 8-481
Chaptered Version: 8-303, 15-249.08, 8-305, 13-3884, 15-101, 8-481