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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
Senate: ED DP 7-0-0-0 | Third Read 29-0-1-0 |
SB 1126: DCS caseworkers; schools; required disclosures
Sponsor: Senator Werner, LD 4
Committee on Education
Overview
Requires a school to provide a Department of Child Safety (DCS) caseworker, on request by the caseworker, any information or records relating to a pupil who is or was enrolled at the school. Asserts a school may not prohibit an employee from speaking to a DCS caseworker who is investigating an allegation of abuse or neglect.
History
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) governs the privacy and disclosure of a student's educational records. FERPA permits an educational agency or institution to disclose a student's educational records without the written consent of the student's parents in specific circumstances, such as: 1) in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or others; or 2) the disclosure is to an agency caseworker or representative of a state or local child welfare agency or tribal organization who has the right to access a student's case plan. State statute declares the right to review educational records and the release of or access to educational records, other information or instructional materials is governed by FERPA and relevant federal regulations (20 U.S.C. § 1232g) (34 C.F.R. § 99.36) (A.R.S. § 15-141).
DCS must employ child safety workers and investigate reports of child abuse and neglect. When visiting a child at the child's school to conduct an interview, a caseworker must present their DCS identification and may be asked to show their valid driver license or nonoperating identification license on request (A.R.S. §§ 8-451, 8-530.09, 8-802).
Provisions
1. Requires a school, on request by a DCS caseworker and in accordance with FERPA, to:
a. identify to the caseworker:
i. any school that has requested a pupil's educational records; and
ii. any person who has withdrawn a pupil from school, according to the pupil's educational records; and
b. provide to the caseworker any other requested information or records relating to a pupil who is or was enrolled at the school.
2. Restricts a public or private school from prohibiting any school employee, contractor or volunteer from speaking to a DCS caseworker who is investigating an allegation of abuse or neglect.
3. Makes technical changes.
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7. Initials CH/IG SB 1126
8. 2/27/2026 Page 0 Education
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