Bill > SB1292

This bill addresses noncertificated school personnel and their disciplinary procedures, focusing on background checks, fingerprinting requirements, and employment standards for school districts and charter schools. The bill amends several sections of Arizona Revised Statutes to update rules around hiring and monitoring noncertificated personnel who work directly with students. Key provisions include expanding fingerprinting requirements, clarifying definitions of noncertificated personnel, and establishing more rigorous background investigation procedures. The bill requires school districts to conduct thorough background checks, including contacting previous employers and checking the educator information system, before hiring personnel. It also provides guidelines for handling employees with past criminal histories, allowing school districts to review and potentially terminate employment based on specific criminal offenses. The legislation appropriates $1,200,000 from the state general fund to the state board of education to implement these changes, with the intent that this funding continue in future years. Importantly, the bill will only become effective if the specified appropriation is made, ensuring adequate resources are available to support the new requirements.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82664