state board; allegations of misconduct

SB 1659 amends Arizona law to clarify how the State Board of Education handles confidential information about misconduct allegations against educators. It allows the Board to share investigation details with current or prospective employers (including school districts, third-party contractors, and licensing agencies) while maintaining confidentiality, provided the information is used solely for employment decisions. The bill requires schools to keep all shared information confidential and not treat it as a public record. This change ensures schools can verify an educator’s history without duplicating investigations or disclosing sensitive details publicly. The bill was enacted after passing the legislature and receiving the Governor’s signature in May 2025.