AZ SB1700

Qualified schools must require fingerprinting for all personnel who have contact with students, including employees, contractors, and volunteers.

Fingerprint results must be submitted to the Arizona Department of Public Safety for state and federal criminal background checks before individuals can work with students.

Schools must deny employment or volunteer access to individuals with disqualifying criminal offenses, including dangerous crimes against children, sexual offenses, and other specified felonies.

Qualified schools that fail to comply with fingerprinting requirements may face penalties including loss of state funding eligibility and revocation of their qualified school status.

The bill establishes a process for individuals to request reconsideration if they believe their background check results are inaccurate or if they qualify for an exemption.