Qualified schools; fingerprinting requirements; penalties
The legislation changes existing Arizona Revised Statutes by updating sections related to accountability and compliance for schools that participate in the empowerment scholarship program. Under SB1641, qualified schools will be subject to annual audits by the auditor general to ensure adherence to these new fingerprinting requirements. Failure to comply could result in the school having to reimburse funds received through the empowerment scholarship accounts, which significantly affects their financial operations and compliance obligations.
SB1641, introduced by Senator Diaz, aims to amend current provisions concerning Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts and establishes new fingerprinting requirements for personnel in qualified schools. The bill stipulates that individuals working in these schools must have a valid fingerprint clearance card or apply for one within twenty days of commencing employment. This requirement extends to various personnel, including tutors and contractors, ensuring that all individuals who interact with students meet safety standards through background checks.
A point of contention in the discussions surrounding SB1641 is the balance between ensuring student safety through thorough background checks and the operational burden this creates for qualified schools. Proponents emphasize the importance of heightened security and the protection of children, while critics voice concerns regarding the potential administrative overload and costs associated with compliance audits. Furthermore, the bill measures could complicate hiring practices in some schools, possibly leading to staff shortages or recruitment difficulties.