Arizona Senate Bill SB1368

Arizona 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24

Caption

Cities; towns; park rangers; appointment

Impact

With this bill, municipalities will have specific guidelines on appointing park rangers, ensuring that they are present during park operational hours and maintain a visible presence near playground facilities. The requirement for cities to post contact information for rangers if they cannot be visually present at playgrounds aims to improve safety and accountability in park management. This amendment may lead to increased employment of park personnel and a more structured approach to park safety.

Summary

SB1368 seeks to amend section 9-500.03 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, focusing on the appointment and powers of park rangers within municipalities. The bill stipulates that cities or towns with populations exceeding 25,000 must appoint at least one park ranger for every park they maintain that spans ten acres or larger. This initiative aims to enhance the safety and oversight of parks, particularly in areas frequented by children, such as playgrounds.

Contention

While the bill provides clear frameworks for park ranger appointments, it may face contention regarding the funding and resources required for municipalities to fulfill these mandates. Smaller towns could struggle with the financial implications of hiring qualified rangers and meeting the requisite safety standards. Additionally, the empowerment of park rangers to issue citations for rule violations could spark debate about enforcement and the extent of authority that local park officials should possess.