ARIZONA STATE SENATE
suspended
driver license enforcement
(NOW: school bus drivers; requirements)
Updates statutory language pertaining to the use of fingerprints by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in obtaining a criminal records check for any person applying for a school bus driver certificate.
Legislation adopted in 1985 detailed the requirements for obtaining certification to operate a school bus in Arizona (Laws 1985, Chapter 246). In order for a person to become a certified bus driver, the law requires that the person demonstrate good moral character, complete courses on school bus driver safety and behind the wheel training and provide a set of fingerprints to DPS for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information.
According to DPS, current Arizona statute does not comply with federal standards for criminal records checks. DPS reports that the current language terminology is simply outdated. This legislation is in response to a request made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for DPS to update current statutory language pertaining to criminal record checks for persons applying for school bus driver certification.
There is no fiscal impact to the general fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires an applicant for a school bus driver certificate to submit to DPS a full set of fingerprints for DPS to obtain a state and federal criminal records check. Currently, DPS requires applicants to furnish fingerprints to obtain criminal history record information.
2. Allows DPS to exchange fingerprint information with the FBI.
3. Makes technical and conforming changes.
4. Provides for a general effective date.
TRANS 2/26/01 DPA/SE 10-0-0
3rd Read 3/06/01 DPA/SE 58-0-2
Prepared by Senate Staff
March 20, 2001