AZ HB2247

School bus driver applicants must obtain a valid fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to title 41, chapter 12, article 3.1 and submit an identity verified fingerprint card as described in section 15-106 instead of submitting fingerprints directly for criminal records checks.

School bus drivers must maintain a valid identity verified fingerprint clearance card for the duration of any school bus driver certification period, and the Department of Public Safety shall suspend the school bus driver certificate if the fingerprint clearance card is invalid, suspended, canceled, or revoked.

The Department of Public Safety is added to the list of agencies under the fingerprint clearance card statutes (sections 41-619.51 and 41-1758) that require fingerprint background checks.

Section 28-3228 is amended to add the fingerprint clearance card requirement to school bus driver certification standards established by the Department of Public Safety in consultation with the school bus advisory council.

Current certified school bus drivers must obtain a valid fingerprint clearance card by December 31, 2018 to maintain certification, but those already holding valid clearance cards may continue using them until expiration.