This bill proposes updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes by amending sections 38-884 and 41-1822 to establish an alternative pathway for peace officer certification specifically for honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces and former military police officers. The current law regarding medical examinations for employees of participating employers remains unchanged, except for a minor adjustment in the subsection reference. The new provisions will allow eligible applicants to leverage their existing military training and experience towards meeting Arizona's peace officer standards, complete an abbreviated training program focused on state-specific laws and procedures, and pass a certification examination while maintaining all existing requirements related to moral character and fitness.

Additionally, the bill mandates that all applications for this alternative pathway be processed within sixty days of receipt, aiming to create a streamlined and equitable certification process for military police veterans. The legislature emphasizes the importance of transitioning these veterans into civilian policing roles to enhance public safety and recognizes that other states have already implemented similar expedited pathways. The act will be officially titled the "Military Police to Peace Officer Pathway Act."

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 38-884, 41-1822, 38-891, 38-921, 38-922, 38-899