Bill to Crack Down on Sexual Predators in Arizona Schools Passes Legislature with Bipartisan Support, Heads to Governor for Signature
- Arizona Senate Republicans
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Bill to Crack Down on Sexual Predators in Arizona Schools
Passes Legislature with Bipartisan Support, Heads to Governor for Signature
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— A bill to crack down on sexual predators in Arizona schools is headed to the Governor for her signature after passing the Legislature today with bipartisan support.
SB 1437, sponsored by Senator Carine Werner, was introduced in response to numerous disturbing events that came to light during her service as a governing board member. The bill ensures sexual predators are held accountable for victimizing children. SB 1437 adds school district governing board members and charter school governing body members, as well as substitute teachers, and school safety officers, to the list of individuals who are required to report to a law enforcement agency any cases of sexual misconduct by a school employee.
"It is imperative that we work together to protect children and take action against sexual predators who are abusing their trusted positions and flying under the radar in schools," said Senator Werner. "Not only does justice need to be served for inflicting life-altering acts on children, but parents should be able to have confidence in knowing when they send their child to school, there are safeguards in place to prevent this abuse from happening. This bill, passing with bipartisan support, serves as a force-multiplier to ensure cases of sexual misconduct against children are reported. We are sending a strong message to pedophiles that they will be caught and will face punishment for their disgusting crimes. I applaud my colleagues in both chambers for getting this bill to the finish line. The people of Arizona are relying on us to implement laws to better protect our most vulnerable communities, and there's no better way to deliver on this promise, than for the governor to sign this bill and support the effort."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus