Senate Engrossed

 

 

 

 

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-fourth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2020

 

 

 

SENATE BILL 1023

 

 

 

AN ACT

 

amending title 15, chapter 1, article 5, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-160; repealing section 15-160, Arizona Revised Statutes, as added by this act; establishing a safe schools task force.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 


Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1.  Title 15, chapter 1, article 5, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-160, to read:

START_STATUTE15-160.  Safe schools task force; model plan; posting

A.  The superintendent of public instruction shall establish a safe schools task force within the department of education to identify best practices, model programs and successful strategies for school districts and charter schools to form partnerships with qualified health, mental health and social services agencies in the community to coordinate and improve support for youth in need.

B.  The safe schools task force shall discuss, study and EVALUATE school safety materials, best practices and resources, including:

1.  Possible training opportunities for school staff in recognizing and screening for emotional or behavioral distress in pupils.

2.  How school staff should respond to suspicions, concerns or warning signs of emotional or behavioral distress in pupils.

3.  Protocols and procedures for communicating with parents and students.

4.  How the school district or charter school will provide support to pupils and school staff after an incident of violence or youth suicide.

C.  The safe schools task force shall evaluate resources and materials pursuant to subsection b of this section and make the following recommendations by December 31, 2020:

1.  Identify a unifying, research-based approach to school safety.

2.  Create a model school safety plan.

3.  Develop a list or clearinghouse of resources.

4.  Research the value and impact of a tip line and additional evidence-based, best practices for this state.

5.  Potential legislative or administrative changes.

D.  The superintendent of public instruction shall:

1.  On or before february 1, 2021, post on the department of education's website the model safe schools plan adopted by the school safety task force along with relevant resources and information to support school districts and charter schools in developing and implementing a safe schools plan pursuant to this section.

2.  Post on the department of education's website the recommendations adopted by the school safety task force pursuant to subsection c of this section, INCLUDING a list of statewide school safety resources.END_STATUTE

Sec. 2.  Delayed repeal

Section 15-160, Arizona Revised Statutes, as added by this act, is repealed from and after December 31, 2021.