Arizona's commitment to school safety has made a considerable leap with the enactment of a new bipartisan legislation. Signed into law by Gov. Hobbs, HB 2074 brings more armed officers, advanced safety technology, and rigorous training into schools. Working in tandem with stakeholders, the bill originated from Representative Matt Gress (R) – Phoenix, and received the seal of approval from the state's education framework in April.
According to an announcement from the Arizona Department of Education, retired law enforcement officers now find themselves back in the educational fold. Having hung up their badges in good stead, they are eligible to ensure the safety of school campuses under the newly expanded School Safety Program. Arizona schools superintendent Tom Horne voiced his support, saying, "There is a need for more armed officers in schools," and that including retired officials brings a "commonsense idea that will put more officers in schools, making campuses safer."
In a text that reflects the concerns of the Arizona classroom, safety must be paramount. Representative Gress emphasized this stance, articulating a mandate that security is not merely about infrastructure but also encompasses a sense of well-being. "Schools must be places where all students, teachers, and staff feel safe," he told the media and elaborated on the law, which was "crafted through collaboration with educators, certified mental health professionals, law enforcement, legislators, and Superintendent Tom Horne."As reported by the Arizona Official website.
Beyond adding arms to schools, the law stipulates the acquisition of safety equipment and the improvement of safety-related infrastructure. As districts and charters usher in a new age of campus security, the legislation mandates comprehensive training. Aimed at officers, the program includes learning how to interact with students with disabilities, civil rights education, adolescent mental health issues, and safeguarding student privacy. Every school is required, under the terms of HB 2074, to develop and submit an emergency response plan tailored for its campus, as Horne articulated his pleasure on the bill becoming law. "The added training and technology will increase the value of this successful program that makes our students, educators and staff safer on campus," he told Arizona's Official website.
