The proposed bill would significantly update current statutes by establishing the School Safety Center (Center) within the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and creating the School Safety Center Council (Council) to enhance school safety initiatives. The Council, appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) and other officials, will focus on training, technical assistance, and the administration of the School Safety Program (Program). Oversight and administrative responsibilities for the Program will be transferred from ADE to the Center, which will include reviewing proposals, distributing funds, and ensuring compliance with emergency response plan requirements.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a cap on administrative costs for the Program at $6,500,000 per year and outlines the structure and operational support for the Council. It modifies existing language by replacing references to the "Department of Education" with the "School Safety Center," ensuring the Center becomes the primary authority for school safety matters. New provisions will also be added for conducting safety assessments, providing training, and developing best practices, emphasizing collaboration between schools and law enforcement agencies while evaluating school safety programs for compliance with established guidelines.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-154, 15-154.02, 15-155, 15-249.20, 41-2534, 35-190, 15-341, 15-183
House Engrossed Version: 15-154, 15-154.02, 15-155, 15-249.20, 41-2534, 35-190, 15-341, 15-183