HB 2779 Summary

• Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 8-303 to require school employees to immediately notify a juvenile's parents, guardian, or custodian when a peace officer takes the juvenile into temporary custody on school property, after consulting with law enforcement to ensure notification poses no risk to the juvenile or investigation.

• Expands notification requirements for juveniles who are wards of the state by requiring school employees to notify the Department of Child Safety, which must then notify the public defender, guardian ad litem, or court-appointed special advocate.

• Establishes a new training program through the Department of Education in collaboration with the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board for law enforcement officers and security personnel employed by school districts or charter schools.

• Requires school districts to mandate that all law enforcement officers and security personnel employed directly or through contractors complete the training program within one month of employment, with exemptions for those who completed equivalent training within the previous two years.

• Effective date for the training program requirements is June 30, 2026.