Arizona school drill rule

Which drills does Arizona require, and how often?

Schools must hold three lockdown drills each year. A real lockdown may count for one of the three, but two more lockdown drills must still be held. At least one lockdown drill must happen during a transition period: a passing period, lunch, recess, or before or after school. Schools must hold one shelter-in-place drill and one building evacuation drill each year. Schools must hold one fire drill each month that school is in session, based on fire code. Arizona's State Fire Code rule points to the International Fire Code (2024 Edition).

What does the state fire code require?

Arizona's State Fire Code rule requires compliance with the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC). Under the adopted IFC, school (Group E) buildings must hold evacuation drills monthly, with all students and staff in the building taking part. The first evacuation drill of each school year must be held within 10 days of the start of classes. Evacuation drills must be held at different times of day, including class changes, assemblies and recess, so drills can't be told apart from real fires. State fire marshal staff must enforce rules for programs to evacuate school buildings and for teaching fire prevention to all students in public and private schools. The state fire marshal enforces the State Fire Code statewide, except in cities of 100,000 or more that have their own nationally recognized fire code and an ordinance taking over that role. Local fire ordinances are allowed only if they equal or exceed the state minimum standards.

Where do these drill counts come from?

State law requires each school district's governing board to develop an emergency response plan for each school, with local law enforcement and emergency response agencies, following minimum standards set jointly by ADE (the Arizona Department of Education) and the Division of Emergency Management. Charter schools must do the same under their charter, using the same minimum standards. The lockdown, shelter, evacuation and fire drill counts above come from the 2026 Minimum Requirements for Emergency Operations Plans issued under that law. The 2026 Minimum Requirements state that all local education agencies (districts and charter schools) shall comply with them and use the ADE emergency operations plan template. ADE's FAQ says fire code and statutory drill requirements have not changed; the 2026 Minimum Requirements add bus evacuation drills to their drill list, to match existing school transportation safety rules. ADE's emergency operations planning page gives no date from which schools must meet the 2026 drill counts.

What are the school bus drill rules?

At least twice every school year, a school must hold a school bus evacuation drill at the school that includes every bus rider who is in school that day. Schools must notify DPS (the Department of Public Safety) Student Transportation at least 14 days before a bus evacuation drill, using DPS's form. The bus drill rule sets no parent notice and no opt-out; its only notice duty is the written notice to DPS 14 days ahead. DPS identifies the bus drill rule as A.A.C. R13-13-104(D)(31), and a state statute directs DPS to adopt rules to improve the safety and welfare of student passengers.

What happens after a drill?

Within one week of a drill or a real incident, schools must complete an After Action Review and Improvement Plan, using a team-based approach to find strengths and areas to improve.

What role does law enforcement play?

Each school's emergency response plan must be developed with local law enforcement and emergency response agencies. The plan must also address how the school and emergency responders will communicate with and help students with disabilities.

Must parents be told, and are there limits on realistic drills?

The district emergency plan law, A.R.S. 15-341(A)(31), sets no parent notice for drills, no opt-out and no limit on realistic drills. The charter school emergency plan law, A.R.S. 15-183(E)(10), sets no parent notice for drills, no opt-out and no limit on realistic drills.

Who is covered?

School districts are covered through their governing boards, and charter schools through their charters. The bus evacuation drill duty falls on the school, and each drill must include every bus rider who is in school that day. The DPS school bus rules, including the twice-a-year bus drill, define a school to include district, accommodation, charter and private schools. The fire marshal's school evacuation law defines a school as any educational institution in Arizona, public or private.

What happened to recent bills?

2026 SB 1315 included language stating that a school has tested each mechanism the bill required; the governor vetoed it. 2026 HB 4109, in its House engrossed version, includes the number of real lockdowns, shelter-in-place events and evacuations in each of the three prior school years. HB 4109 did not become law: its official status is Held in Senate, and the 2026 session has adjourned. 2026 HB 2142, on an ADE school safety center, did not become law: its official status is Failed in Senate on Third Reading. The 2026 legislative session adjourned sine die (for good) on June 13, 2026.