Text of AZ HB 2161 (2022)
Parental rights; schools; educational records
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As introduced
27,383 characters
REFERENCE TITLE: parental rights;
schools; educational records
State of
Arizona
House of
Representatives
Fifty-fifth
Legislature
Second Regular
Session
2022
HB 2161
Introduced by
Representative Kaiser
AN ACT
amending
sections 1-602, 15-102 and 15-117, Arizona Revised Statutes;
amending title 15, chapter 1, article 4, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding
section 15-143; relating to parental rights.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Section 1-602, Arizona Revised
Statutes, is amended to read:
START_STATUTE1-602. Parents' bill of rights; governmental interference restricted;
burden of proof; definition
A. All parental rights are exclusively
reserved to a parent of a minor child without obstruction or
interference from this state, any political subdivision of this state, any
other governmental entity or any other institution, including:
1. The right to direct the education of the minor
child.
2. All rights of parents identified in title 15,
including the right to access and review all records relating to the minor
child.
3. The right to direct the upbringing of the minor
child.
4. The right to direct the moral or religious
training of the minor child.
5. The right to make all health
care decisions for the minor child, including rights pursuant to sections 15-873,
36-2271 and 36-2272, unless otherwise prohibited by
law. A health care entity shall give a parent
equivalent access to any electronic portal and any other health care delivery
platform throughout the minority of the parent's child.
6. The right to access and review all written and electronic medical records of the minor child
unless otherwise prohibited by law or unless the parent
is the subject of an investigation of a crime committed against the minor child
and a law enforcement official requests that the information not be released. This right includes access to written and electronic medical records
for services not requiring parental consent, including those described in
sections 36-2152, 36-2271, 36-2272, 44-132.01, 44-133 and 44-133.01.
7. The right to consent in writing before a
biometric scan of the minor child is made pursuant to section 15-109.
8. The right to consent in writing before any record
of the minor child's blood or deoxyribonucleic acid is created, stored or
shared, except as required by section 36-694, or before any genetic
testing is conducted on the minor child pursuant to section 12-2803
unless authorized pursuant to section 13-610 or a court order.
9. The right to consent in writing before the this state or any of its political
subdivisions makes a video or voice recording of the minor child, unless the
video or voice recording is made during or as a part of a court proceeding, by
law enforcement officers during or as part of a law enforcement investigation,
during or as part of an interview in a criminal or child safety services
investigation or to be used solely for any of the following:
(a) Safety demonstrations, including the maintenance
of order and discipline in the common areas of a school or on pupil
transportation vehicles.
(b) A purpose related to a legitimate academic or
extracurricular activity.
(c) A purpose related to regular classroom
instruction.
(d) Security or surveillance of buildings or
grounds.
(e) A photo identification card.
10. The right to be notified promptly if an employee
of this state, any political subdivision of this state, any other governmental
entity or any other institution suspects that a criminal offense has been
committed against the minor child by someone other than a parent, unless the
incident has first been reported to law enforcement and notification
of notifying the parent would impede a law
enforcement or child safety services investigation. This paragraph does not
create any new obligation for school districts and charter schools to report
misconduct between students at school, such as fighting or aggressive play,
that is routinely addressed as a student disciplinary matter by the school.
11. The right to obtain information about a child
safety services investigation involving the parent pursuant to section 8-807.
B. This section does not authorize or allow a parent
to engage in conduct that is unlawful or to abuse or neglect a child in
violation of the laws of this state. This section does not prohibit courts,
law enforcement officers or employees of a government agency responsible for
child welfare from acting in their official capacity within the scope of their
authority. This section does not prohibit a court from issuing an order that
is otherwise permitted allowed by
law.
C. Any attempt to encourage or coerce a minor child
to withhold information from the child's parent shall be is grounds for discipline of an employee of this state, any
political subdivision of this state, or
any other governmental entity or any other institution,
except for law enforcement personnel. An employee of
this state, any political subdivision of this state, any other governmental
entity or any other institution shall not withhold from a minor child's parent
any information that is relevant to the physical, emotional or mental health of
the parent's child. In addition to any other remedies provided to
parents under this chapter, conduct in violation of this subsection is grounds
for discipline of the employee.
D. Unless those rights have been legally waived or
legally terminated, parents have inalienable rights that are more comprehensive
than those listed in this section. This chapter does not prescribe
all rights of parents or preempt or foreclose claims or remedies
in support of parental rights that are available under the constitution,
statutes or common law of this state. Unless otherwise required by law,
the rights of parents of minor children shall not be limited or denied.
E. Except
as prescribed in subsections F and G of this section, this state, a political
subdivision of this state or any other governmental entity, or any official of
this state, a political subdivision of this state or any other governmental
entity acting under color of law, shall not interfere with or usurp the fundamental
right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, health care and mental
health of their children. A parent may bring suit against a governmental
entity or official described in this subsection based on any violation of the
statutory rights set forth in this chapter or any other action that interferes
with or usurps the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing,
education, health care and mental health of their children in the superior
court in the county in which the violation or other action occurs or in federal
court, if authorized by federal law, or before an administrative tribunal of
appropriate jurisdiction. A parent may raise a violation of this chapter as a
claim or a defense.
F. In any action under subsection E
of this section, the governmental entity or official described in subsection E
of this section has the burden of proof to demonstrate both of the following:
1. That the interference or
usurpation is essential to accomplish a compelling government interest of the
highest order, as long recognized in the history and traditions of this state
in the operation of its regulatory powers.
2. The method of interference or
usurpation used by the government is narrowly tailored and is not otherwise
served by a less restrictive means.
G. A governmental entity or official
described in subsection E of this section may interfere with or usurp the
fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, health care
and mental health of their children only if the governmental entity or official
successfully demonstrates both elements described in subsection F of this
section. If the governmental entity or official is unsuccessful, the court
shall grant appropriate relief, such as declaratory or injunctive relief,
compensatory damages and attorney fees, based on the facts of the case and the
law as applied to the facts.
E. H. For
the purposes of this section, "parent" means the natural or adoptive
parent or legal guardian of a minor child. END_STATUTE
Sec. 2. Section 15-102, Arizona Revised
Statutes, is amended to read:
START_STATUTE15-102. Parental involvement in the school; definition
A. The Each
school district governing board, in consultation with parents, teachers
and administrators, shall develop and adopt a policy to promote the involvement
of parents and guardians of children enrolled in the schools within the school
district, including:
1. A plan for parent participation in the schools
that is designed to improve parent and teacher cooperation in such areas as
homework, attendance and discipline. The plan shall provide for the
administration of a parent-teacher satisfaction survey.
2. Procedures by which parents may learn about the
course of study for their children and review learning materials, including the
source of any supplemental educational materials.
3. Procedures by which parents who object to any
learning material or activity on the basis that the material or activity is
harmful may withdraw their children from the activity or from the class or
program in which the material is used. Objection to a learning material or
activity on the basis that the material or activity is harmful includes
objection to the material or activity because it questions beliefs or practices
in sex, morality or religion.
4. If a school district offers any sex education
curricula pursuant to section 15-711 or 15-716 or pursuant to any
rules adopted by the state board of education, procedures to prohibit the
school district from providing sex education instruction to a pupil unless the
pupil's parent provides written permission for the child to participate in the
sex education curricula.
5. Procedures by which parents will be notified in
advance of and given the opportunity to opt their children in to any
instruction, learning materials or presentations regarding sexuality, in
courses other than formal sex education curricula.
6. Procedures by which parents may learn about the
nature and purpose of clubs and activities that are part of the school
curriculum, extracurricular clubs and activities that have been approved by the
school.
7. Procedures by which parents may learn about
parental rights and responsibilities under the laws of this state, including
the following:
(a) The right to opt in to a sex education
curriculum if one is provided by the school district.
(b) Open enrollment rights pursuant to section 15-816.01.
(c) The right to opt out of assignments pursuant to
this section.
(d) The right to opt out of immunizations pursuant
to section 15-873.
(e) The promotion requirements prescribed in section
15-701.
(f) The minimum course of study and competency
requirements for graduation from high school prescribed in section 15-701.01.
(g) The right to opt out of instruction on acquired
immune deficiency syndrome pursuant to section 15-716.
(h) The right to review test results pursuant to
section 15-743.
(i) The right to participate in gifted programs
pursuant to section 15-779.01.
(j) The right to access instructional materials
pursuant to section 15-730.
(k) The right to receive a school report card
pursuant to section 15-746.
(l) The attendance requirements prescribed in
sections 15-802, 15-803 and 15-821.
(m) The right to public review of courses of study
and textbooks pursuant to sections 15-721 and 15-722.
(n) The right to be excused from school attendance
for religious purposes pursuant to section 15-806.
(o) Policies related to parental involvement
pursuant to this section.
(p) The right to seek membership on school councils
pursuant to section 15-351.
(q) Information about the student accountability
information system as prescribed in section 15-1041.
(r) The right to access the failing schools tutoring
fund pursuant to section 15-241.
(s) The right
to access all written and electronic records of a school district or school
district employee concerning the parent's child pursuant to section 15-143.
B. The policy adopted by the governing board
pursuant to this section may also include the following components:
1. A plan by which parents will be made aware of the
district's parental involvement policy and this section, including:
(a) Rights under the family educational rights and
privacy act of 1974 (20 United States Code section 1232g) relating to access to
children's official records.
(b) The parent's right to inspect the school
district policies and curriculum.
2. Efforts to encourage the development of parenting
skills.
3. Communicating to parents techniques that are
designed to assist the child's learning experience in the home.
4. Efforts to encourage access to community and
support services for children and families.
5. Promoting communication between the school and
parents concerning school programs and the academic progress of the parents'
children.
6. Identifying opportunities for parents to
participate in and support classroom instruction at the school.
7. Efforts to support, with appropriate training,
parents as shared decision-makers and to encourage membership on school
councils.
8. Recognizing the diversity of parents and
developing guidelines that promote widespread parental participation and
involvement in the school at various levels.
9. Developing preparation programs and specialized
courses for certificated employees and administrators that promote parental
involvement.
10. Developing strategies and programmatic
structures at schools to encourage and enable parents to participate actively
in their children's education.
C. The governing board may adopt a policy to provide
to parents the information required by this section in an electronic form.
D. A parent shall submit a written request for
information pursuant to this section during regular business hours to either
the school principal at the school site or the superintendent of the school
district at the office of the school district. Within ten days after
receiving the request for information, the school principal or the superintendent
of the school district shall either deliver the requested information to the
parent or submit to the parent a written explanation of the reasons for denying
the requested information. If the request for information is denied
or the parent does not receive the requested information within fifteen days
after submitting the request for information, the parent may submit
a written request for the information to in writing from the school district
governing board, which shall formally consider the request at the next scheduled
public meeting of the governing board if the request can be properly noticed on
the agenda. If the request cannot be properly noticed on the agenda, the
governing board shall formally consider the request at the next subsequent
public meeting of the governing board.
E. For the purposes of this section,
"parent" means the natural or adoptive parent or legal guardian of a
minor child. END_STATUTE
Sec. 3. Section 15-117, Arizona Revised Statutes,
is amended to read:
START_STATUTE15-117. Surveys; pupil
information; parental permission and informed consent; exceptions; penalties;
definitions
A. Notwithstanding any other law, each school
district and charter school shall obtain written informed consent from the
parent of a pupil before administering any survey that is
retained by a school district, a charter school or the department of education
for longer than one year and that solicits personal information about
the pupil regarding any of the following:
1. Critical appraisals of another person with whom a
pupil has a close relationship.
2. Gun or ammunition ownership.
3. Illegal, antisocial or self-incriminating
behavior.
4. Income or other financial information.
5. Legally recognized privileged or analogous
relationships, such as relationships with a lawyer, physician or member of the
clergy.
6. Medical history or medical information.
7. Mental health history or mental health
information.
8. Political affiliations, opinions or beliefs.
9. Pupil biometric information.
10. The quality of home interpersonal relationships.
11. Religious practices, affiliations or beliefs.
12. Self-sufficiency as it pertains to emergency,
disaster and essential services interruption planning.
13. Sexual behavior or attitudes.
14. gender expression, perceptions or
stereotypes.
14. 15. Voting
history.
B. At the beginning of every school
year least seven days before administering any survey to
a pupil, every school district and charter school shall provide
a copy of the survey to the pupil's parent along with a written informed
consent form and shall obtain written informed consent from the pupil's parent of a for the
pupil to participate in any the
survey pursuant to subsection A of this section for the entire
year. A The pupil's parent
of a pupil may at any time revoke consent for the pupil to
participate in any survey pursuant to subsection A of this
section. For any pupil who is at least eighteen years of age, the
permission or consent that would otherwise be required from the pupil's parent
pursuant to this section is required only from the pupil. All surveys
conducted pursuant to subsection A of this section shall be approved and
authorized by the school district or charter school. The school
district or charter school is subject to the penalties prescribed in subsection
L of this section. A teacher or other school employee may not administer any
survey pursuant to subsection A of this section without written authorization
from the school district or charter school.
C. This section applies to all surveys conducted
pursuant to subsection A of this section:
1. Regardless of the stated purpose of the survey.
2. Regardless of the quantity or percentage of
questions that solicit data pursuant to subsection A of this section.
3. Including written or digital surveys.
D. This section does not apply to:
1. Mental health screening pursuant to section 15-104
or the identification of or programming for children with disabilities or
gifted pupils pursuant to chapter 7, articles 4 and 4.1 of this title.
2. Class instruction, discussion or assignments on
subjects within the purview of the course.
3. Private schools.
4. Any nationally recognized college entrance exam
that a student chooses to take regardless if the administration of the exam
takes place on public school property.
5. Any survey
conducted that contains questions soliciting information pursuant to subsection
A of this section if the survey does not require a student's name or any other
personally identifiable information.
6. Any survey conducted or implemented by the
Arizona criminal justice commission.
7. Any method of surveying a student that is
conducted because a person has a reasonable belief that a minor is or has been
a victim of abuse pursuant to section 13-3620.
E. A penalty may not be imposed on a pupil or the
parent of a pupil who does not participate in any survey conducted pursuant to
subsection A of this section. Participation in any survey pursuant to
subsection A of this section is not required:
1. To demonstrate that a pupil has met competency requirements
for any grade level, course or subject.
2. For a pupil to qualify for placement into any
grade level, course or subject.
3. For a pupil to be promoted to the next grade.
4. For a pupil to receive credit for any course or
as part of a letter grade for any course.
5. For a pupil to graduate from high school.
6. For a pupil to obtain a high school equivalency
diploma.
F. A school district or charter school shall provide
an alternative educational activity for any pupil whose parent does not consent
for that pupil to participate in a survey conducted pursuant to subsection A of
this section.
G. Any pupil whose parent does not give written
informed consent for that pupil to participate in any survey pursuant to
subsection A of this section and who attends the alternative educational
activity pursuant to this section shall be counted toward daily attendance and
average daily membership for the school pursuant to section 15-901 and may not
be counted absent from school.
H. Responses to any survey pursuant to subsection A
of this section may not be included:
1. As part of a school academic performance
indicator pursuant to section 15-241, or as part of any other similar
school rating system.
2. In the education learning and accountability
system pursuant to section 15-249, or in any other similar system.
3. In the student accountability information system
pursuant to section 15-756.10 or 15-1041, or in any other similar
system.
I. A penalty may not be imposed on and a reward may
not be granted to a teacher, administrator, other school employee, school
district, school or charter school based on the pupil participation rate in any
survey conducted pursuant to subsection A of this section.
J. On request, a charter school or school district
shall provide any available information in a timely manner to the parent of a
pupil regarding a survey administered pursuant to subsection A of this section, including:
1. The name of the survey.
2. The date or dates on which the survey will be
administered.
3. The method or methods of administering the
survey.
4. The amount of time required to administer the
survey.
5. The type of information collected by the survey.
6. The reasons for administering the survey.
K. A parent of a pupil that has a reasonable belief
that a school district or charter school has violated this section may file a
complaint with the attorney general or the county attorney for the county in
which an alleged violation of this section occurred. The attorney
general or the county attorney for the county in which an alleged violation of
this section occurred may initiate a suit in the superior court in the county
in which the school district or charter school is located for the purpose of
complying with this section. After receiving written notice of an
alleged failure to comply with this section, a school district or charter
school that determines that a violation has occurred is not subject to a
penalty or cause of action under this section if the school district or charter
school cures the violation. For the purposes of this subsection,
"cure" means to destroy any information gathered in violation of this
section and to provide written instruction to the individual circulating the
survey, to be kept on file for one year after receipt of the written notice of
the alleged failure to comply.
L. For each violation of this section, the court may
impose a civil penalty not to exceed five hundred dollars $500. The school district or charter school determined to be
out of compliance with this section shall be responsible for the
payment of pay all penalties.
M. An attorney acting on behalf of a public school
may request a legal opinion of the county attorney or attorney general as to
whether the public school would violate this section.
N. All penalties collected by the court for a suit
initiated in superior court by the attorney general shall be paid to the office
of the attorney general for the use and reimbursement of costs of prosecution
pursuant to this section. All penalties collected by the court for a suit
initiated in superior court by a county attorney shall be paid to the county
treasurer of the county in which the court is held for the use and reimbursement
of costs of prosecution pursuant to this section.
O. For the purposes of this section:
1. "Parent" has the same meaning
prescribed in section 15-101, except that parent does not mean this state
if the pupil is a ward of the state.
2. "Survey"
means:
(a) When used as a
noun, an instrument that investigates the attitudes, behaviors, beliefs,
experiences, opinions or thoughts of a pupil or group of pupils.
(b) When used as a verb, to use an instrument to
investigate the attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, experiences, opinions or
thoughts of a pupil or group of pupils. END_STATUTE
Sec. 4. Title 15, chapter 1, article 4, Arizona
Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-143, to read:
START_STATUTE15-143. Educational records; rights of parents
A. In accordance with the rights
secured under section 1-602, subsection A, paragraph 2, a parent shall have
access to all written and electronic records of a school district or charter
school or a school district or charter school employee concerning the parent's
child and to all electronic accounts of the parent's child, including all of
the following:
1. Attendance records.
2. Test scores of school-administered
tests and statewide assessments.
3. Grades.
4. Extracurricular activities or club
participation.
5. Disciplinary records.
6. Counseling records.
7. Psychological records.
8. Applications for admission.
9. Health and immunization
information, including any medical records that are maintained by a health
clinic or medical facility operated or controlled by the school district or
charter school or that are located on school district or charter school
property.
10. Teacher and counselor
evaluations.
11. Reports of behavioral patterns.
12. Email accounts.
13. Online or virtual accounts or
data.
B. A school district or charter
school employee may not withhold or conceal information from, or facilitate,
encourage or coerce students to withhold or conceal information from, the
student's parents about either:
1. The student's physical, emotional
or mental health.
2. The student's purported gender identity
or requested transition if the student's purported gender identity or
expression is incongruous with the student's biological sex.
C. A parent may file suit against a
school district or chARter school that violates subsection A or B of this
section in the superior court in the county in if the violation
occurs. This section does not preclude a parent from filing a suit
asserting a violation of this section or any other claim otherwise allowed by
law.
D. A parent who successfully asserts
a claim under subsection A or B of this section may recover:
1. Declaratory relief.
2. Injunctive relief to prevent or
remedy a violation of subsection A or B or the effects of the violation.
3. Reasonable attorney fees and
costs.
4. Any other appropriate relief. END_STATUTE
As enrolled or final
26,523 characters
Senate Engrossed House Bill
parental
rights; schools; educational records
State of
Arizona
House of
Representatives
Fifty-fifth
Legislature
Second Regular
Session
2022
CHAPTER
200
HOUSE BILL 2161
An Act
amending sections
1-602, 15-102 and 15-117, Arizona Revised Statutes; amending title
15, chapter 1, article 4, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-143;
relating to parental rights.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Section 1-602, Arizona Revised
Statutes, is amended to read:
START_STATUTE1-602. Parents' bill of rights; governmental interference restricted;
burden of proof; definition
A. All parental rights are exclusively
reserved to a parent of a minor child without obstruction or
interference from this state, any political subdivision of this state, any other
governmental entity or any other institution, including:
1. The right to direct the education of the minor
child.
2. All rights of parents identified in title 15,
including the right to access and review all records relating to the minor
child.
3. The right to direct the upbringing of the minor
child.
4. The right to direct the moral or religious
training of the minor child.
5. The right to make all health
care decisions for the minor child, including rights pursuant to sections 15-873,
36-2271 and 36-2272, unless otherwise prohibited by law.
6. The right to request, access
and review all written and electronic medical records of
the minor child unless otherwise prohibited by law or unless the
parent is the subject of an investigation of a crime committed against the
minor child and a law enforcement official requests that the information not be
released.
7. The right to consent in writing before a
biometric scan of the minor child is made pursuant to section 15-109.
8. The right to consent in writing before any record
of the minor child's blood or deoxyribonucleic acid is created, stored or
shared, except as required by section 36-694, or before any genetic
testing is conducted on the minor child pursuant to section 12-2803
unless authorized pursuant to section 13-610 or a court order.
9. The right to consent in writing before the this state or any of its political
subdivisions makes a video or voice recording of the minor child, unless the
video or voice recording is made during or as a part of a court proceeding, by
law enforcement officers during or as part of a law enforcement investigation,
during or as part of an interview in a criminal or child safety services
investigation or to be used solely for any of the following:
(a) Safety demonstrations, including the maintenance
of order and discipline in the common areas of a school or on pupil
transportation vehicles.
(b) A purpose related to a legitimate academic or
extracurricular activity.
(c) A purpose related to regular classroom instruction.
(d) Security or surveillance of buildings or
grounds.
(e) A photo identification card.
10. The right to be notified promptly if an employee
of this state, any political subdivision of this state, any other governmental
entity or any other institution suspects that a criminal offense has been
committed against the minor child by someone other than a parent, unless the
incident has first been reported to law enforcement and notification
of notifying the parent would impede a law
enforcement or child safety services investigation. This paragraph does not
create any new obligation for school districts and charter schools to report
misconduct between students at school, such as fighting or aggressive play,
that is routinely addressed as a student disciplinary matter by the school.
11. The right to obtain information about a child
safety services investigation involving the parent pursuant to section 8-807.
B. This section does not authorize or allow a parent
to engage in conduct that is unlawful or to abuse or neglect a child in
violation of the laws of this state. This section does not prohibit
courts, law enforcement officers or employees of a government agency
responsible for child welfare from acting in their official capacity within the
scope of their authority. This section does not prohibit a court from issuing
an order that is otherwise permitted allowed
by law.
C. Any attempt to encourage or coerce a minor child
to withhold information from the child's parent shall be is grounds for discipline of an employee of this state, any
political subdivision of this state, or
any other governmental entity or any other institution,
except for law enforcement personnel.
D. Unless those rights have been legally waived or
legally terminated, parents have inalienable rights that are more comprehensive
than those listed in this section. This chapter does not prescribe
all rights of parents or preempt or foreclose claims or remedies
in support of parental rights that are available under the constitution,
statutes or common law of this state. Unless otherwise required by law,
the rights of parents of minor children shall not be limited or denied.
E. Except as prescribed in
subsections F and G of this section, this state, a political subdivision of this
state or any other governmental entity, or any official of this state, a
political subdivision of this state or any other governmental entity acting
under color of law, shall not interfere with or usurp the fundamental right of
parents to direct the upbringing, education, health care and mental health of
their children. A parent may bring suit against a governmental entity or
official described in this subsection based on any violation of the statutory
rights set forth in this chapter or any other action that interferes with or
usurps the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing, education,
health care and mental health of their children in the superior court in the
county in which the violation or other action occurs or in federal court, if
authorized by federal law, or before an administrative tribunal of appropriate
jurisdiction. A parent may raise a violation of this chapter as a claim or a
defense.
F. In any action under subsection E
of this section, the governmental entity or official described in subsection E
of this section has the burden of proof to demonstrate both of the following:
1. That the interference or
usurpation is essential to accomplish a compelling government interest of the
highest order, as long recognized in the history and traditions of this state
in the operation of its regulatory powers.
2. That the method of interference or
usurpation used by the government is narrowly tailored and is not otherwise
served by a less restrictive means.
G. A governmental entity or official
described in subsection E of this section may interfere with or usurp the
fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, health care
and mental health of their children only if the governmental entity or official
successfully demonstrates both elements described in subsection F of this
section. If the governmental entity or official is unsuccessful, the court
shall grant appropriate relief, such as declaratory or injunctive relief,
compensatory damages and attorney fees, based on the facts of the case and the
law as applied to the facts.
E. H. For
the purposes of this section, "parent" means the natural or adoptive
parent or legal guardian of a minor child. END_STATUTE
Sec. 2. Section 15-102, Arizona Revised
Statutes, is amended to read:
START_STATUTE15-102. Parental involvement in the school; definition
A. The Each
school district governing board, in consultation with parents, teachers
and administrators, shall develop and adopt a policy to promote the involvement
of parents and guardians of children enrolled in the schools within the school
district, including:
1. A plan for parent participation in the schools
that is designed to improve parent and teacher cooperation in such areas as
homework, attendance and discipline. The plan shall provide for the
administration of a parent-teacher satisfaction survey.
2. Procedures by which parents may learn about the
course of study for their children and review learning materials, including the
source of any supplemental educational materials.
3. Procedures by which parents who object to any
learning material or activity on the basis that the material or activity is
harmful may withdraw their children from the activity or from the class or
program in which the material is used. Objection to a learning material or
activity on the basis that the material or activity is harmful includes
objection to the material or activity because it questions beliefs or practices
in sex, morality or religion.
4. If a school district offers any sex education
curricula pursuant to section 15-711 or 15-716 or pursuant to any
rules adopted by the state board of education, procedures to prohibit the school
district from providing sex education instruction to a pupil unless the pupil's
parent provides written permission for the child to participate in the sex
education curricula.
5. Procedures by which parents will be notified in
advance of and given the opportunity to opt their children in to any
instruction, learning materials or presentations regarding sexuality, in
courses other than formal sex education curricula.
6. Procedures by which parents may learn about the
nature and purpose of clubs and activities that are part of the school
curriculum, extracurricular clubs and activities that have been approved by the
school.
7. Procedures by which parents may learn about
parental rights and responsibilities under the laws of this state, including
the following:
(a) The right to opt in to a sex education
curriculum if one is provided by the school district.
(b) Open enrollment rights pursuant to section 15-816.01.
(c) The right to opt out of assignments pursuant to
this section.
(d) The right to opt out of immunizations pursuant
to section 15-873.
(e) The promotion requirements prescribed in section
15-701.
(f) The minimum course of study and competency
requirements for graduation from high school prescribed in section 15-701.01.
(g) The right to opt out of instruction on acquired
immune deficiency syndrome pursuant to section 15-716.
(h) The right to review test results pursuant to
section 15-743.
(i) The right to participate in gifted programs
pursuant to section 15-779.01.
(j) The right to access instructional materials
pursuant to section 15-730.
(k) The right to receive a school report card
pursuant to section 15-746.
(l) The attendance requirements prescribed in
sections 15-802, 15-803 and 15-821.
(m) The right to public review of courses of study
and textbooks pursuant to sections 15-721 and 15-722.
(n) The right to be excused from school attendance
for religious purposes pursuant to section 15-806.
(o) Policies related to parental involvement
pursuant to this section.
(p) The right to seek membership on school councils
pursuant to section 15-351.
(q) Information about the student accountability
information system as prescribed in section 15-1041.
(r) The right to access the failing schools tutoring
fund pursuant to section 15-241.
(s) The right
to access all written and electronic records of a school district or school
district employee concerning the parent's child pursuant to section 15-143.
B. The policy adopted by the governing board
pursuant to this section may also include the following components:
1. A plan by which parents will be made aware of the
district's parental involvement policy and this section, including:
(a) Rights under the family educational rights and
privacy act of 1974 (20 United States Code section 1232g) relating to access to
children's official records.
(b) The parent's right to inspect the school
district policies and curriculum.
2. Efforts to encourage the development of parenting
skills.
3. Communicating to parents techniques that are designed
to assist the child's learning experience in the home.
4. Efforts to encourage access to community and
support services for children and families.
5. Promoting communication between the school and
parents concerning school programs and the academic progress of the parents'
children.
6. Identifying opportunities for parents to
participate in and support classroom instruction at the school.
7. Efforts to support, with appropriate training,
parents as shared decision-makers and to encourage membership on school
councils.
8. Recognizing the diversity of parents and
developing guidelines that promote widespread parental participation and
involvement in the school at various levels.
9. Developing preparation programs and specialized
courses for certificated employees and administrators that promote parental
involvement.
10. Developing strategies and programmatic
structures at schools to encourage and enable parents to participate actively
in their children's education.
C. The governing board may adopt a policy to provide
to parents the information required by this section in an electronic form.
D. A parent shall submit a written request for
information pursuant to this section during regular business hours to either
the school principal at the school site or the superintendent of the school
district at the office of the school district. Within ten days after
receiving the request for information, the school principal or the
superintendent of the school district shall either deliver the requested information
to the parent or submit to the parent a written explanation of the reasons for
denying the requested information. If the request for information is
denied or the parent does not receive the requested information within fifteen
days after submitting the request for information, the parent may submit a written request for the
information to in writing from the
school district governing board, which shall formally consider the request at
the next scheduled public meeting of the governing board if the request can be
properly noticed on the agenda. If the request cannot be properly noticed on
the agenda, the governing board shall formally consider the request at the next
subsequent public meeting of the governing board.
E. For the purposes of this section,
"parent" means the natural or adoptive parent or legal guardian of a
minor child. END_STATUTE
Sec. 3. Section 15-117, Arizona Revised
Statutes, is amended to read:
START_STATUTE15-117. Surveys; pupil
information; parental permission and informed consent; exceptions; penalties;
definitions
A. Notwithstanding any other law, each school
district and charter school shall obtain written informed consent from the
parent of a pupil before administering any survey that is
retained by a school district, a charter school or the department of education
for longer than one year and that solicits personal information about
the pupil regarding any of the following:
1. Critical appraisals of another person with whom a
pupil has a close relationship.
2. Gun or ammunition ownership.
3. Illegal, antisocial or self-incriminating
behavior.
4. Income or other financial information.
5. Legally recognized privileged or analogous
relationships, such as relationships with a lawyer, physician or member of the
clergy.
6. Medical history or medical information.
7. Mental health history or mental health
information.
8. Political affiliations, opinions or beliefs.
9. Pupil biometric information.
10. The quality of home interpersonal relationships.
11. Religious practices, affiliations or beliefs.
12. Self-sufficiency as it pertains to emergency,
disaster and essential services interruption planning.
13. Sexual behavior or attitudes.
14. Voting history.
B. At the beginning of every school
year least seven days before administering any survey to
a pupil, every school district and charter school shall provide
a copy of the survey to the pupil's parent along with a written informed
consent form and shall obtain written informed consent from the pupil's parent of a for the
pupil to participate in any the
survey pursuant to subsection A of this section for the entire
year. A The pupil's parent
of a pupil may at any time revoke consent for the pupil to
participate in any survey pursuant to subsection A of this
section. For any pupil who is at least eighteen years of age, the
permission or consent that would otherwise be required from the pupil's parent
pursuant to this section is required only from the pupil. All surveys
conducted pursuant to subsection A of this section shall be approved and
authorized by the school district or charter school. The school
district or charter school is subject to the penalties prescribed in subsection
L of this section. A teacher or other school employee may not administer any
survey pursuant to subsection A of this section without written authorization
from the school district or charter school.
C. This section applies to all surveys conducted
pursuant to subsection A of this section:
1. Regardless of the stated purpose of the survey.
2. Regardless of the quantity or percentage of
questions that solicit data pursuant to subsection A of this section.
3. Including written or digital surveys.
D. This section does not apply to:
1. Mental health screening pursuant to section 15-104
or the identification of or programming for children with disabilities or
gifted pupils pursuant to chapter 7, articles 4 and 4.1 of this title.
2. Class instruction, discussion or assignments on
subjects within the purview of the course.
3. Private schools.
4. Any exam administered by a nationally
recognized college entrance or career readiness exam provider that a student chooses to take
regardless if the administration of the exam takes place
on public school property, regardless of whether the exam is
taken during the school day.
5. Any survey conducted that contains
questions soliciting information pursuant to subsection A of this section if
the survey does not require a student's name or any other personally
identifiable information.
6. 5. Any
survey conducted or implemented by the Arizona criminal justice commission if, at least seven days before the survey is administered to a pupil,
the school district or charter school provides the pupil's parent with a paper
or electronic copy of the survey or electronic access to the survey.
7. 6. Any
method of surveying a student that is conducted because a person has a
reasonable belief that a minor is or has been a victim of abuse pursuant to
section 13-3620.
E. A penalty may not be imposed on a pupil or the
parent of a pupil who does not participate in any survey conducted pursuant to
subsection A of this section. Participation in any survey pursuant to
subsection A of this section is not required:
1. To demonstrate that a pupil has met competency
requirements for any grade level, course or subject.
2. For a pupil to qualify for placement into any
grade level, course or subject.
3. For a pupil to be promoted to the next grade.
4. For a pupil to receive credit for any course or
as part of a letter grade for any course.
5. For a pupil to graduate from high school.
6. For a pupil to obtain a high school equivalency
diploma.
F. A school district or charter school shall provide
an alternative educational activity for any pupil whose parent does not consent
for that pupil to participate in a survey conducted pursuant to subsection A of
this section.
G. Any pupil whose parent does not give written
informed consent for that pupil to participate in any survey pursuant to
subsection A of this section and who attends the alternative educational
activity pursuant to this section shall be counted toward daily attendance and
average daily membership for the school pursuant to section 15-901 and may not
be counted absent from school.
H. Responses to any survey pursuant to subsection A
of this section may not be included:
1. As part of a school academic performance indicator
pursuant to section 15-241, or as part of any other similar school rating
system.
2. In the education learning and accountability
system pursuant to section 15-249, or in any other similar system.
3. In the student accountability information system
pursuant to section 15-756.10 or 15-1041, or in any other similar
system.
I. A penalty may not be imposed on and a reward may
not be granted to a teacher, administrator, other school employee, school
district, school or charter school based on the pupil participation rate in any
survey conducted pursuant to subsection A of this section.
J. On request, a charter school or school district
shall provide any available information in a timely manner to the parent of a
pupil regarding a survey administered pursuant to subsection A of this section, including:
1. The name of the survey.
2. The date or dates on which the survey will be
administered.
3. The method or methods of administering the
survey.
4. The amount of time required to administer the
survey.
5. The type of information collected by the survey.
6. The reasons for administering the survey.
K. A parent of a pupil that has a reasonable belief
that a school district or charter school has violated this section may file a
complaint with the attorney general or the county attorney for the county in
which an alleged violation of this section occurred. The attorney
general or the county attorney for the county in which an alleged violation of
this section occurred may initiate a suit in the superior court in the county
in which the school district or charter school is located for the purpose of
complying with this section. After receiving written notice of an
alleged failure to comply with this section, a school district or charter
school that determines that a violation has occurred is not subject to a
penalty or cause of action under this section if the school district or charter
school cures the violation. For the purposes of this subsection,
"cure" means to destroy any information gathered in violation of this
section and to provide written instruction to the individual circulating the
survey, to be kept on file for one year after receipt of the written notice of
the alleged failure to comply.
L. For each violation of this section, the court may
impose a civil penalty not to exceed five hundred dollars $500. The school district or charter school determined to be
out of compliance with this section shall be responsible for the
payment of pay all penalties.
M. An attorney acting on behalf of a public school
may request a legal opinion of the county attorney or attorney general as to
whether the public school would violate this section.
N. All penalties collected by the court for a suit
initiated in superior court by the attorney general shall be paid to the office
of the attorney general for the use and reimbursement of costs of prosecution
pursuant to this section. All penalties collected by the court for a suit
initiated in superior court by a county attorney shall be paid to the county
treasurer of the county in which the court is held for the use and
reimbursement of costs of prosecution pursuant to this section.
O. For the purposes of this section:
1. "Parent" has the same meaning
prescribed in section 15-101, except that parent does not mean this state
if the pupil is a ward of the state.
2. "Survey" means:
(a) When used as a noun, an instrument that
investigates the attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, experiences, opinions or
thoughts of a pupil or group of pupils.
(b) When used as a verb, to use an instrument to
investigate the attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, experiences, opinions or
thoughts of a pupil or group of pupils. END_STATUTE
Sec. 4. Title 15, chapter 1, article 4, Arizona
Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-143, to read:
START_STATUTE15-143. Educational records; rights of parents
A. In accordance with the rights
secured under section 1-602, subsection A, paragraph 2, a parent shall have
access to all written and electronic records of a school district or charter
school or a school district or charter school employee concerning the parent's
child and to all electronic accounts of the parent's child, including all of
the following:
1. Attendance records.
2. Test scores of school-administered
tests and statewide assessments.
3. Grades.
4. Extracurricular activities or club
participation.
5. Disciplinary records.
6. Counseling records.
7. Psychological records.
8. Applications for admission.
9. Health and immunization
information, including any medical records that are maintained by a health
clinic or medical facility operated or controlled by the school district or
charter school or that are located on school district or charter school
property.
10. Teacher and counselor
evaluations.
11. Reports of behavioral patterns.
12. Email accounts.
13. Online or virtual accounts or
data.
B. A parent may file suit against a
school district or chARter school that violates subsection A of this section in
the superior court in the county in which the violation occurs. This
section does not preclude a parent from filing a suit asserting a violation of
this section or any other claim otherwise allowed by law.
C. A parent who successfully asserts
a claim under subsection A of this section may recover:
1. Declaratory relief.
2. Injunctive relief to prevent or
remedy a violation of subsection A of this section or the effects of the
violation.
3. Reasonable attorney fees and
costs.
4. Any other appropriate relief. END_STATUTE
APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR APRIL 29, 2022.
FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE APRIL 29, 2022.