School Safety Program Bill

(STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX) Legislation that will add reserve peace officers to school safety programs is one step closer to becoming law after passing a House education committee last week. Senate President Tim Bee, R-Tucson, is the sponsor of Senate Bill 1401 that would add to the declining number of school resource officers without increasing costs. The Senate passed the bill earlier this month. "School safety programs add an extra element of protection for our children," Bee said. "The resource officers not only promote a safe environment, but teach students responsible citizenship and encourage positive interaction between students and law enforcement." Reserve peace officers are volunteers or retired law enforcement officers. Their volunteer or retired status means they will join school safety programs at no cost to the school or Department of Education. The School Safety Program was originally established in session law in 1994 to prevent juvenile referrals and detention in state facilities by addressing school safety needs.