|
Senate Engrossed |
|
State of Arizona Senate Forty-ninth Legislature Second Regular Session 2010
|
|
SENATE BILL 1308 |
|
|
|
|
AN ACT
amending Title 15, chapter 3, article 3, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-342.01; amending title 15, chapter 7, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-712.01; relating to school curriculum.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Title 15, chapter 3, article 3, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-342.01, to read:
15-342.01. Dating abuse policies; definitions
A. A school district governing board may prescribe and enforce policies and procedures to address incidents of dating abuse involving students at school that may be based on a model dating abuse policy developed by the department of education. The policies adopted by the school district governing board shall include a statement that dating abuse will not be tolerated, dating abuse reporting procedures, guidelines to responding to incidents of dating abuse at school and disciplinary procedures relating to such incidents. Notice of the school district's dating abuse policy shall be published setting forth the comprehensive rules, procedures and standards of conduct for students at school. The policies and procedures shall require dating abuse training for all administrators, teachers, counselors and health care professionals who are employed at junior high schools, middle schools and high schools. The principal of each junior high school, middle school or high school may allow other employees to attend dating abuse training. The dating abuse training prescribed in this section shall include training on the warning signs of dating abuse and a review of the school district's dating abuse policy to ensure that employees are able to appropriately respond to incidents of dating abuse at school. The school district shall inform pupils and parents and guardians of the school district's dating abuse policies and procedures and shall furnish copies of the policies and procedures on request. The school district may provide parents with training and information about dating abuse. This section does not limit or prevent the rights afforded to victims of crimes under any other law and does not subject persons or entities to additional civil liability under law.
B. For the purposes of this section:
1. "At school" means a classroom that is on or immediately adjacent to the school premises, a school bus or other pupil transportation vehicle, a recognized school bus stop and any activity or event that is sponsored by the school, including activities and events that are not conducted on the grounds of the school.
2. "Dating abuse" means a pattern of behavior in which one person uses or threatens to use physical, sexual, verbal or emotional abuse to control the person's dating partner.
Sec. 2. Title 15, chapter 7, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-712.01, to read:
15-712.01. Instruction on dating violence; definitions
A. A school district that provides instruction in grades seven through twelve may incorporate dating abuse information that is age‑appropriate into the school district's existing health curriculum for pupils in grades seven through twelve that includes the following components:
1. A definition of dating abuse.
2. The recognition of dating abuse warning signs.
3. The characteristics of healthy relationships.
B. The state board of education shall provide assistance to school districts in the development of the dating abuse information prescribed in this section by reviewing and approving appropriate grade level topics.
C. On written request to the principal of the school where a child is enrolled, the parent or guardian of a pupil who is under eighteen years of age shall be permitted to review the dating abuse information instructional materials within a reasonable time after submitting the written request.
D. For the purposes of this section:
1. "Dating abuse" means a pattern of behavior in which one person uses or threatens to use physical, sexual, verbal or emotional abuse to control the person's dating partner.
2. "Dating partner" means any person who is involved in an intimate association with another person that is primarily characterized by the expectation of affectionate involvement and that includes casual, serious and long-term dating partners.
Sec. 3. Review, consideration and adoption of dating abuse curriculum and policies
On or before June 30, 2011, each school district governing board shall conduct a public meeting to review and consider the adoption of dating abuse curriculum and policies. A local domestic violence organization must be notified of the meeting at least two weeks in advance. The governing board may modify the curriculum if the governing board determines that modifications are necessary to accommodate the needs and circumstances of the school district.