HB2022 Summary

• Establishes the Save Our Children School Safety Program within the Department of Education to enhance school safety through employee training, emergency preparedness, and crisis response.

• Requires the Department of Education, in consultation with the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, to develop and maintain a list of approved training and certification programs meeting uniform standards for school employees.

• Creates the Save Our Children School Safety Program Fund to provide reimbursements on a first-come, first-served basis for schools and employees who complete approved training programs or purchase safety equipment.

• Allows eligible schools to adopt policies authorizing employees with valid certifications to possess and carry firearms on school grounds, provided schools notify local law enforcement and comply with confidentiality requirements protecting employee identities.

• Establishes confidentiality protections for employee information related to training programs and firearm authorization (class 1 misdemeanor for violations) and provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for certified employees acting in good faith during active threats or crisis events.