AZ HB2489

Establishes a safe-to-tell program within the Department of Education enabling anonymous reporting of dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity on school property, at school-sponsored activities, or on school buses.

Requires reported information to be forwarded promptly to law enforcement and school officials while maintaining strict confidentiality protections that prevent disclosure of the reporter's identity except as required by law in criminal investigations.

Authorizes the Department of Education to contract with qualified third parties to operate a hotline or call center for receiving initial reports and directs the department to provide training and promotional materials to schools about the program.

Establishes the safe-to-tell fund consisting of state appropriations, federal monies, and private grants to support implementation and operation of the program, with monies continuously appropriated.

Appropriates $400,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2018-2019 to the Department of Education for the safe-to-tell program, which is scheduled to terminate on July 1, 2028.