REFERENCE TITLE: medical marijuana; funding; mental health |
State of Arizona Senate Fifty-fifth Legislature First Regular Session 2021
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SB 1647 |
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Introduced by Senator Shope
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AN ACT
Amending sections 36-2803, 36-2804.01, 36-2806, 36-2817, 36-2819, 36-2820 and 41-1758.07, Arizona Revised Statutes; relating to medical marijuana.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Subject to the requirements of article IV, part 1, section 1, Constitution of Arizona, section 36-2803, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
36-2803. Rulemaking; notice; testing of marijuana and marijuana products; fees
A. The department shall adopt rules:
1. Governing the manner in which the department considers petitions from the public to add debilitating medical conditions or treatments to the list of debilitating medical conditions set forth in section 36-2801, paragraph 3, including public notice of, and an opportunity to comment in a public hearing on, petitions.
2. Establishing the form and content of registration and renewal applications submitted under this chapter.
3. Governing the manner in which the department considers applications for and renewals of registry identification cards.
4. Governing nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries to protect against diversion and theft without imposing an undue burden on nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries or compromising the confidentiality of cardholders, including:
(a) The manner in which the department considers applications for and renewals of registration certificates.
(b) Minimum oversight requirements for nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries.
(c) Minimum recordkeeping requirements for nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries.
(d) Minimum security requirements for nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries, including requirements to protect each registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary location by a fully operational security alarm system.
(e) Procedures for suspending or revoking the registration certificate of nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries that violate this chapter or the rules adopted pursuant to this section.
5. Establishing application and renewal fees for registry identification cards, nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary registration certificates and independent third-party laboratory certificates, according to the following:
(a) The total amount of all fees shall generate revenues that are sufficient to implement and administer this chapter, except that fee revenue may be offset or supplemented by private donations.
(b) Nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary application fees may not exceed $5,000.
(c) Nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary renewal fees may not exceed $1,000.
(d) The total amount of revenue generated from nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary application and renewal fees, registry identification card fees for nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary agents and independent third-party laboratory agents and application and renewal fees for independent third-party laboratories shall be sufficient to implement and administer this chapter, including the verification system, except that the fee revenue may be offset or supplemented by private donations.
(e) The department may establish a sliding scale of patient application and renewal fees that are based on a qualifying patient's household income and that are reasonable and related to the actual costs of processing applications and renewals.
(f) The department may consider private donations under section 36-2817 to reduce application and renewal fees.
B. The department of health services shall adopt rules that require each nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary to display in a conspicuous location a sign that warns pregnant women about the potential dangers to fetuses caused by smoking or ingesting marijuana while pregnant or to infants while breastfeeding and the risk of being reported to the department of child safety during pregnancy or at the birth of the child by persons who are required to report. The rules shall include the specific warning language that must be included on the sign. The cost and display of the sign required by rule shall be borne by the nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary. The rules shall also require each certifying physician to attest that the physician has provided information to each qualifying female patient that warns about the potential dangers to fetuses caused by smoking or ingesting marijuana while pregnant or to infants while breastfeeding and the risk of being reported to the department of child safety during pregnancy or at the birth of the child by persons who are required to report.
C. The department is authorized to adopt the rules set forth in subsections A and B of this section and shall adopt those rules pursuant to title 41, chapter 6.
D. The department of health services shall post prominently on its public website a warning about the potential dangers to fetuses caused by smoking or ingesting marijuana while pregnant or to infants while breastfeeding and the risk of being reported to the department of child safety during pregnancy or at the birth of the child by persons who are required to report.
E. Beginning November 1, 2020 On a date determined by the department, before selling or dispensing marijuana or marijuana products to registered qualified patients or registered designated caregivers, nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries shall test marijuana and marijuana products for medical use to determine unsafe levels of microbial contamination, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, growth regulators and residual solvents and confirm the potency of the marijuana to be dispensed harmful contaminants and to analyze potency.
F. Beginning November 1, 2020 On a date determined by the department, nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries shall:
1. Provide test results to a registered qualifying patient or designated caregiver immediately on request.
2. Display in a conspicuous location a sign that notifies patients of their right to receive the certified independent third-party laboratory test results for marijuana and marijuana products for medical use.
G. The department shall adopt rules to certify and regulate independent third-party laboratories that analyze marijuana cultivated for medical use. The department shall establish certification fees for laboratories pursuant to subsection A of this section. In order to be certified as an independent third-party laboratory that is allowed to test marijuana and marijuana products for medical use pursuant to this chapter, an independent third-party laboratory:
1. Must meet requirements established by the department, including reporting and health and safety requirements.
2. May not have any direct or indirect familial or financial relationship with or interest in a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary or related medical marijuana business entity or management company, or any direct or indirect familial or financial relationship with a designated caregiver for whom the laboratory is testing marijuana and marijuana products for medical use in this state.
3. Must have a quality assurance program and standards.
4. Must have an adequate chain of custody and sample requirement policies.
5. Must have an adequate records retention process to preserve records.
6. Must establish procedures to ensure that results are accurate, precise and scientifically valid before reporting the results.
7. Must be accredited by a national or international accreditation association or other similar accrediting entity, as determined by the department.
8. Must establish policies and procedures for disposal and reverse distribution of samples that are collected by the laboratory.
H. The department may conduct proficiency testing and remediate problems with independent third-party laboratories that are certified and regulated pursuant to this chapter. Remediation may include assessing civil penalties and suspending or revoking a laboratory's certification.
Sec. 2. Subject to the requirements of article IV, part 1, section 1, Constitution of Arizona, section 36-2804.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
36-2804.01. Registration; nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary agents; independent third-party laboratory agents; notices
A. A nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary agent or an independent third-party laboratory agent shall be registered with the department before volunteering or working at a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary or an a certified independent third-party laboratory.
B. A nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary or a certified independent third-party laboratory may apply to the department for a registry identification card for a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary agent or an independent third-party laboratory agent by submitting:
1. The name, address and date of birth of the prospective nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary agent or independent third-party laboratory agent.
2. A nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary agent or independent third-party laboratory agent application.
3. A statement signed by either:
(a) The prospective nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary agent pledging not to divert marijuana to anyone who is not allowed to possess marijuana pursuant to this chapter.
(b) The prospective independent third-party laboratory agent acknowledging that registered independent third-party laboratory agents are prohibited from diverting marijuana pursuant to this chapter.
4. The application fee.
C. A registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary or certified independent third-party laboratory shall notify the department within ten days after a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary agent or independent third-party laboratory agent ceases to be employed by or volunteer at the registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary or certified independent third-party laboratory.
D. A person who has been convicted of an excluded felony offense may not be a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary agent or an independent third-party laboratory agent. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if a prospective nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary agent or independent third-party laboratory agent holds a current level I fingerprint clearance card, the person is deemed to not have been convicted of an excluded felony offense.
E. The department may conduct a criminal records check in order to carry out this section.
F. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if a marijuana facility agent as defined in section 36-2850 is registered with the department pursuant to section 36-2855, the person may act in the capacity of a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary agent or independent third-party laboratory agent without registering pursuant to this chapter.
Sec. 3. Subject to the requirements of article IV, part 1, section 1, Constitution of Arizona, section 36-2806, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
36-2806. Registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries; requirements; rules; inspections; testing
A. A registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary shall be operated on a not-for-profit basis. The bylaws of a registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary shall contain such provisions relative to the disposition of revenues and receipts to establish and maintain its nonprofit character. A registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary need not be recognized as tax-exempt by the internal revenue service and is not required to incorporate pursuant to title 10, chapter 19, article 1.
B. The operating documents of a registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary shall include procedures for the oversight of to oversee the registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary and procedures to ensure accurate recordkeeping.
C. A registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary shall have a single secure entrance and shall implement appropriate security measures to deter and prevent the theft of marijuana and unauthorized entrance into areas containing marijuana.
D. A registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, cultivating, manufacturing, delivering, transferring, transporting, supplying or dispensing marijuana for any purpose except to assist registered qualifying patients with the medical use of marijuana directly or through the registered qualifying patients' designated caregivers or an independent third-party laboratory agent or a certified independent third-party laboratory for the purposes prescribed in this chapter and department rule.
E. All cultivation of marijuana must take place in an enclosed, locked facility, at a physical address provided to the department during the registration process, that can be accessed only by registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary agents associated in the registry with the nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary.
F. A registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary may acquire usable marijuana or marijuana plants from a registered qualifying patient or a registered designated caregiver only if the registered qualifying patient or registered designated caregiver receives no compensation for the marijuana.
G. A nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary shall not allow any person to consume marijuana on the property of the nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary.
H. Registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries are subject to reasonable inspection by the department. The department shall give reasonable notice of an inspection under this subsection may visit and inspect a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary at any time during regular hours of operation as necessary to determine whether the dispensary complies with this chapter and the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter.
I. Beginning November 1, 2020 On a date determined by the Department, registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries are subject to product testing by certified independent third-party laboratories pursuant to this chapter and rules adopted pursuant to this chapter.
J. Notwithstanding title 13, chapter 34, an employee of the department or an independent third-party laboratory agent may not be charged with or prosecuted for possession of marijuana that is cultivated for medical use as required by this chapter and the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter.
Sec. 4. Subject to the requirements of article IV, part 1, section 1, Constitution of Arizona, section 36-2817, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
36-2817. Medical marijuana fund; private donations
A. The medical marijuana fund is established consisting of fees collected, civil penalties imposed and private donations received under this chapter. The department shall administer the fund. Monies in the fund are continuously appropriated.
B. The director of the department may accept and spend private grants, gifts, donations, contributions and devises to assist in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.
C. Monies in the medical marijuana fund do not revert to the state general fund at the end of a fiscal year.
D. On the effective date of this amendment to this section November 30, 2020, the director of the department shall transfer the following sums from the medical marijuana fund for the following purposes:
1. $15,000,000 to the Arizona teachers academy fund established by section 15-1655.
2. $10,000,000 to the department to fund the formation and operation of councils, commissions and programs dedicated to improving public health, including teen suicide prevention, the maternal mortality review program, improving youth health, substance abuse prevention, addressing adverse childhood experiences, the Arizona poison control system established pursuant to section 36-1161, the Arizona health improvement plan, the child fatality review team established pursuant to section 36-3501 and the chronic pain self management program.
3. $10,000,000 to the governor's office of highway safety to distribute grants for the following purposes:
(a) Reducing impaired driving, including conducting training programs and purchasing equipment for detecting, testing and enforcing laws against driving, flying or boating while impaired.
(b) Equipment, training and personnel costs for dedicated traffic enforcement.
4. $2,000,000 to the department to implement, carry out and enforce chapter 28.2 of this title.
5. $4,000,000 to the department to distribute grants to qualified nonprofit entities that will provide outreach to individuals who may be eligible to file petitions for expungement pursuant to section 36-2862 and will assist with the expungement petition process. The department shall distribute grants pursuant to this paragraph on or before June 30, 2021.
6. $2,000,000 to the department of
health services to develop and implement, in conjunction with the department of economic security
and other state agencies, a social equity ownership program to promote the
ownership and operation of marijuana establishments and marijuana testing
facilities by individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by the
enforcement of
previous
marijuana laws. For the purposes of this paragraph, "marijuana
establishment" and "marijuana testing facility" have the same
meanings prescribed in section 36-2850.
7. $1,000,000 to the department to fund programs and grants to qualified nonprofit organizations for education and community outreach related to chapter 28.2 of this title.
8. $1,000,000 to the smart and safe Arizona fund established by section 36-2856.
E. After all costs incurred to implement, carry out and enforce this chapter and the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter are paid for fiscal year 2021-2022, the department shall transfer from the medical marijuana fund the following sums for the following purposes:
1. $1,250,000 to the department for suicide prevention.
2. $1,250,000 to the Arizona health care cost containment system for suicide prevention.
3. $2,000,000 to the Arizona mental health research institute for research to improve mental health services, research and education in this state.
4. $2,000,000 to the department for the primary care provider loan repayment program and the rural private primary care provider loan repayment program established by chapter 21 of this title. The department shall prioritize rural providers in the areas of mental health care and behavioral health care if feasible and appropriate.
5. $2,000,000 to the board of medical student loans for the purposes of title 15, chapter 13, article 7. The board shall prioritize students who intend to practice in the area of psychiatry or other areas of practice that treat mental illness if feasible and appropriate.
6. $5,000,000 to county public health departments, in proportion to the population of each county, for the purposes of addressing important public health issues and communities affected by drug addiction and incarceration.
7. $1,000,000 to the department for the health care directives registry established pursuant to section 36-3291.
F. Monies transferred pursuant to subsection E of this section do not revert to the state general fund.
Sec. 5. Subject to the requirements of article IV, part 1, section 1, Constitution of Arizona, section 36-2819, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
36-2819. Fingerprinting requirements
Each person applying as a designated caregiver, a principal officer, agent or employee of a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary, a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary agent or an independent third-party laboratory agent may submit a current level I fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to section 41-1758.07 or shall submit a full set of fingerprints to the department for the purpose of obtaining a state and federal criminal records check pursuant to section 41-1750 and Public Law 92-544. The department of public safety may exchange this fingerprint data with the federal bureau of investigation without disclosing that the records check is related to the medical marijuana act and acts permitted allowed by it. The department shall destroy each set of fingerprints after the criminal records check is completed.
Sec. 6. Subject to the requirements of article IV, part 1, section 1, Constitution of Arizona, section 36-2820, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
36-2820. Use of outside counsel
Subject to Notwithstanding section 41-192, the department may employ legal counsel and make an expenditure or incur an indebtedness for legal services for the purposes of defending to implement, advise on or defend this chapter, chapter 28.2 or the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter or chapter 28.2.
Sec. 7. Section 41-1758.07, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
41-1758.07. Level I fingerprint clearance cards; definitions
A. On receiving the state and federal criminal history record of a person who is required to be fingerprinted pursuant to this section, the fingerprinting division in the department of public safety shall compare the record with the list of criminal offenses that preclude the person from receiving a level I fingerprint clearance card. If the person's criminal history record does not contain any of the offenses listed in subsections B and C of this section, the fingerprinting division shall issue the person a level I fingerprint clearance card.
B. A person who is subject to registration as a sex offender in this state or any other jurisdiction or who is awaiting trial on or who has been convicted of committing or attempting, soliciting, facilitating or conspiring to commit one or more of the following offenses in this state or the same or similar offenses in another state or jurisdiction is precluded from receiving a level I fingerprint clearance card:
1. Sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult.
2. Incest.
3. Homicide, including first or second degree murder, manslaughter and negligent homicide.
4. Sexual assault.
5. Sexual exploitation of a minor.
6. Sexual exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
7. Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor.
8. Commercial sexual exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
9. Child sex trafficking as prescribed in section 13-3212.
10. Child abuse.
11. Felony child neglect.
12. Abuse of a vulnerable adult.
13. Sexual conduct with a minor.
14. Molestation of a child.
15. Molestation of a vulnerable adult.
16. Dangerous crimes against children as defined in section 13-705.
17. Exploitation of minors involving drug offenses.
18. Taking a child for the purpose of prostitution as prescribed in section 13-3206.
19. Neglect or abuse of a vulnerable adult.
20. Sex trafficking.
21. Sexual abuse.
22. Production, publication, sale, possession and presentation of obscene items as prescribed in section 13-3502.
23. Furnishing harmful items to minors as prescribed in section 13-3506.
24. Furnishing harmful items to minors by internet activity as prescribed in section 13-3506.01.
25. Obscene or indecent telephone communications to minors for commercial purposes as prescribed in section 13-3512.
26. Luring a minor for sexual exploitation.
27. Enticement of persons for purposes of prostitution.
28. Procurement by false pretenses of person for purposes of prostitution.
29. Procuring or placing persons in a house of prostitution.
30. Receiving earnings of a prostitute.
31. Causing one's spouse to become a prostitute.
32. Detention of persons in a house of prostitution for debt.
33. Keeping or residing in a house of prostitution or employment in prostitution.
34. Pandering.
35. Transporting persons for the purpose of prostitution, polygamy and concubinage.
36. Portraying adult as a minor as prescribed in section 13-3555.
37. Admitting minors to public displays of sexual conduct as prescribed in section 13-3558.
38. Any felony offense involving contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
39. Unlawful sale or purchase of children.
40. Child bigamy.
41. Any felony offense involving domestic violence as defined in section 13-3601 except for a felony offense only involving criminal damage in an amount of more than two hundred fifty dollars $250 but less than one thousand dollars $1,000 if the offense was committed before June 29, 2009.
42. Any felony offense in violation of title 13, chapter 12 if committed within five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
43. Felony drug or alcohol related offenses if committed within five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
44. Felony indecent exposure.
45. Felony public sexual indecency.
46. Terrorism.
47. Any offense involving a violent crime as defined in section 13-901.03.
48. Trafficking of persons for forced labor or services.
C. A person who is awaiting trial on or who has been convicted of committing or attempting, soliciting, facilitating or conspiring to commit one or more of the following offenses in this state or the same or similar offenses in another state or jurisdiction is precluded from receiving a level I fingerprint clearance card, except that the person may petition the board of fingerprinting for a good cause exception pursuant to section 41-619.55:
1. Any misdemeanor offense in violation of title 13, chapter 12.
2. Misdemeanor indecent exposure.
3. Misdemeanor public sexual indecency.
4. Aggravated criminal damage.
5. Theft.
6. Theft by extortion.
7. Shoplifting.
8. Forgery.
9. Criminal possession of a forgery device.
10. Obtaining a signature by deception.
11. Criminal impersonation.
12. Theft of a credit card or obtaining a credit card by fraudulent means.
13. Receipt of anything of value obtained by fraudulent use of a credit card.
14. Forgery of a credit card.
15. Fraudulent use of a credit card.
16. Possession of any machinery, plate or other contrivance or incomplete credit card.
17. False statement as to financial condition or identity to obtain a credit card.
18. Fraud by persons authorized to provide goods or services.
19. Credit card transaction record theft.
20. Misconduct involving weapons.
21. Misconduct involving explosives.
22. Depositing explosives.
23. Misconduct involving simulated explosive devices.
24. Concealed weapon violation.
25. Misdemeanor possession and misdemeanor sale of peyote.
26. Felony possession and felony sale of peyote if committed more than five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
27. Misdemeanor possession and misdemeanor sale of a vapor-releasing substance containing a toxic substance.
28. Felony possession and felony sale of a vapor-releasing substance containing a toxic substance if committed more than five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
29. Misdemeanor sale of precursor chemicals.
30. Felony sale of precursor chemicals if committed more than five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
31. Misdemeanor possession, misdemeanor use or misdemeanor sale of marijuana, dangerous drugs or narcotic drugs.
32. Felony possession, felony use or felony sale of marijuana, dangerous drugs or narcotic drugs if committed more than five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
33. Misdemeanor manufacture or misdemeanor distribution of an imitation controlled substance.
34. Felony manufacture or felony distribution of an imitation controlled substance if committed more than five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
35. Misdemeanor manufacture or misdemeanor distribution of an imitation prescription-only drug.
36. Felony manufacture or felony distribution of an imitation prescription-only drug if committed more than five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
37. Misdemeanor manufacture or misdemeanor distribution of an imitation over-the-counter drug.
38. Felony manufacture or felony distribution of an imitation over-the-counter drug if committed more than five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
39. Misdemeanor possession or misdemeanor possession with intent to use an imitation controlled substance.
40. Felony possession or felony possession with intent to use an imitation controlled substance if committed more than five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
41. Misdemeanor possession or misdemeanor possession with intent to use an imitation prescription-only drug.
42. Felony possession or felony possession with intent to use an imitation prescription-only drug if committed more than five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
43. Misdemeanor possession or misdemeanor possession with intent to use an imitation over-the-counter drug.
44. Felony possession or felony possession with intent to use an imitation over-the-counter drug if committed more than five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
45. Misdemeanor manufacture of certain substances and drugs by certain means.
46. Felony manufacture of certain substances and drugs by certain means if committed more than five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
47. Adding poison or other harmful substance to food, drink or medicine.
48. A criminal offense involving criminal trespass under title 13, chapter 15.
49. A criminal offense involving burglary under title 13, chapter 15.
50. A criminal offense under title 13, chapter 23, except terrorism.
51. Misdemeanor offenses involving child neglect.
52. Misdemeanor offenses involving contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
53. Misdemeanor offenses involving domestic violence as defined in section 13-3601.
54. Felony offenses involving domestic violence if the offense only involved criminal damage in an amount of more than two hundred fifty dollars $250 but less than one thousand dollars $1,000 and the offense was committed before June 29, 2009.
55. Arson.
56. Felony offenses involving sale, distribution or transportation of, offer to sell, transport or distribute or conspiracy to sell, transport or distribute marijuana, dangerous drugs or narcotic drugs if committed more than five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
57. Criminal damage.
58. Misappropriation of charter school monies as prescribed in section 13-1818.
59. Taking identity of another person or entity.
60. Aggravated taking identity of another person or entity.
61. Trafficking in the identity of another person or entity.
62. Cruelty to animals.
63. Prostitution, as prescribed in section 13-3214.
64. Sale or distribution of material harmful to minors through vending machines as prescribed in section 13-3513.
65. Welfare fraud.
66. Any felony offense in violation of title 13, chapter 12 if committed more than five years before the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card.
67. Kidnapping.
68. Robbery, aggravated robbery or armed robbery.
D. A person who is awaiting trial on or who has been convicted of committing or attempting to commit a misdemeanor violation of section 28-1381, 28-1382 or 28-1383 in this state or the same or a similar offense in another state or jurisdiction within five years from the date of applying for a level I fingerprint clearance card is precluded from driving any vehicle to transport employees or clients of the employing agency as part of the person's employment. The division shall place a notation on the level I fingerprint clearance card that indicates this driving restriction. This subsection does not preclude a person from driving a vehicle alone as part of the person's employment.
E. Notwithstanding subsection C of this section, on receiving written notice from the board of fingerprinting that a good cause exception was granted pursuant to section 41-619.55, the fingerprinting division shall issue a level I fingerprint clearance card to the applicant.
F. If the fingerprinting division denies a person's application for a level I fingerprint clearance card pursuant to subsection C of this section and a good cause exception is requested pursuant to section 41-619.55, the fingerprinting division shall release, on request by the board of fingerprinting, the person's criminal history record to the board of fingerprinting.
G. A person shall be granted a level I fingerprint clearance card pursuant to this section if either of the following applies:
1. An agency granted a good cause exception before August 16, 1999 and no new precluding offense is identified. The fingerprint clearance card shall specify only the program that granted the good cause exception. On the request of the applicant, the agency that granted the prior good cause exception shall notify the fingerprinting division in writing of the date on which the prior good cause exception was granted, the date of the conviction and the name of the offense for which the good cause exception was granted.
2. The board granted a good cause exception and no new precluding offense is identified.
H. The licensee or contract provider shall assume the costs of fingerprint checks conducted pursuant to this section and may charge these costs to persons who are required to be fingerprinted.
I. A person who is under eighteen years of age or who is at least ninety-nine years of age is exempt from the level I fingerprint clearance card requirements of this section. At all times the person shall be under the direct visual supervision of personnel who have valid level I fingerprint clearance cards.
J. The fingerprinting division shall conduct periodic state criminal history records checks and may conduct federal criminal history records checks when authorized pursuant to federal law for the purpose of updating the clearance status of current level I fingerprint clearance cardholders pursuant to this section and may notify the board of fingerprinting and the agency of the results of the records check.
K. The fingerprinting division shall revoke a person's level I fingerprint clearance card on receipt of a written request for revocation from the board of fingerprinting pursuant to section 41-619.55.
L. If a person's criminal history record contains an offense listed in subsection B or C of this section and the final disposition is not recorded on the record, the division shall conduct research to obtain the disposition within thirty business days after receipt of the record. If the division cannot determine, within thirty business days after receipt of the person's state and federal criminal history record information, whether the person is awaiting trial on or has been convicted of committing or attempting, soliciting, facilitating or conspiring to commit any of the offenses listed in subsection B or C of this section in this state or the same or a similar offense in another state or jurisdiction, the division shall not issue a level I fingerprint clearance card to the person. If the division is unable to make the determination required by this section and does not issue a level I fingerprint clearance card to a person, the person may request a good cause exception pursuant to section 41-619.55.
M. If after conducting a state and federal criminal history records check the fingerprinting division determines that it is not authorized to issue a level I fingerprint clearance card to an applicant, the division shall notify the agency that the fingerprinting division is not authorized to issue a level I fingerprint clearance card. This notice shall include the criminal history information on which the denial was based. This criminal history information is subject to dissemination restrictions pursuant to section 41-1750 and Public Law 92-544.
N. The fingerprinting division is not liable for damages resulting from:
1. The issuance of a level I fingerprint clearance card to an applicant who is later found to have been ineligible to receive a level I fingerprint clearance card at the time the card was issued.
2. The denial of a level I fingerprint clearance card to an applicant who is later found to have been eligible to receive a level I fingerprint clearance card at the time issuance of the card was denied.
O. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, an individual may apply for and receive a level I fingerprint clearance card pursuant to this section to satisfy a requirement that the person have a valid fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to section 41-1758.03.
P. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, except as prescribed pursuant to subsection Q of this section, an individual who receives a level I fingerprint clearance card pursuant to this section also satisfies a requirement that the individual have a valid fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to section 41-1758.03.
Q. Unless a cardholder commits an offense listed in subsection B or C of this section after June 29, 2009, a fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to section 41-1758.03 before June 29, 2009 and its renewals are valid for all requirements for a level I fingerprint clearance card except those relating to the requirements of section 8-105 or 8-509. A fingerprint clearance card issued before June 29, 2009 to meet the requirements of section 8-105 or 8-509 and its renewals are valid after June 29, 2009 to meet all requirements for a level I fingerprint clearance card, including the requirements of section 8-105 or 8-509, if the cardholder has been certified by the court to adopt or has been issued a foster home license before June 29, 2009.
R. The issuance of a level I fingerprint clearance card does not entitle a person to employment.
S. For the purposes of this section:
1. "Person" means a person who is fingerprinted pursuant to:
(a) Section 3-314, 8-105, 8-463, 8-509, 8-802, 17-215, 36-207, 36-594.01, 36-594.02, 36-882, 36-883.02, 36-897.01, 36-897.03, 36-2819, 36-2855, 41-619.52, 41-619.53, 41-1964, 41-1967.01, 41-1968, 41-1969 or 46-141.
(b) Subsection O of this section.
2. "Renewal" means the issuance of a fingerprint clearance card to an existing fingerprint clearance cardholder who applies before the person's existing fingerprint clearance card expires.
Sec. 8. Exemption from rulemaking
For the purposes of this act, the department of health services is exempt from the rulemaking requirements of title 41, chapters 6 and 6.1, Arizona Revised Statutes, for thirty-six months after the effective date of this act, except that the department shall provide the public with a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposed rules.
Sec. 9. Requirements for enactment; three-fourths vote
Pursuant to article IV, part 1, section 1, Constitution of Arizona, sections 36-2803, 36-2804.01, 36-2806, 36-2817, 36-2819 and 36-2820, Arizona Revised Statutes, as amended by this act, are effective only on the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of the members of each house of the legislature.
Sec. 10. Emergency
This act is an emergency measure that is necessary to preserve the public peace, health or safety and is operative immediately as provided by law.