Gretchen Jacobs: Championing Change Through Powerful Lobbying

Gretchen Jacobs, an Arizona lobbyist, played a pivotal role in the passage of “Ava’s Law,” signed by Governor Katie Hobbs on April 18. This legislation is named after Jacobs’ daughter, who is nonverbal and autistic. The bill was inspired by a distressing incident in which Jacobs’ daughter was sexually abused by a staff member at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale in 2021. The school district faced no repercussions for failing to conduct proper background checks on the employee.

Ava’s Law eliminates legal immunity for public and charter schools if an employee commits a felony sexual offense and the school neglects its duty to perform necessary background checks or reports. In a recent interview with the Arizona Capitol Times, Jacobs discussed her advocacy journey and the critical adjustments she made to the bill.

Reflecting on the initial veto of a prior version of the bill, Jacobs expressed her determination to revisit the legislation annually until it passed. “When I saw a loophole regarding immunity for schools, I knew I had to take action,” she stated. She dedicated time to understand the legislative history to ensure her efforts were aligned with the original law’s intent.

This year’s approach differed significantly. Initially, Jacobs withheld her personal story to maintain objectivity among her peers. However, as discussions progressed, many expressed that her experiences were crucial to understanding the bill’s need. “I learned that sharing my story made a substantial impact,” she noted.

Key allies in the legislative process included various stakeholders who transcended traditional opposition. Their collective support facilitated the bill’s progression, claiming unanimous support throughout the legislative stages. “It shows genuine concern for children’s safety,” Jacobs remarked.

The passage of Ava’s Law, particularly its unanimous support, resonated deeply with Jacobs. “It validated that my previous assumptions about the process were mistaken,” she said. As a mother, she found the outcome rewarding both for her daughter and for others who might face similar challenges.

Ava’s reaction to the law’s passage was heartwarming. After a tough emotional journey during the previous year’s veto, Jacobs reported her daughter’s joyful response, a stark contrast to earlier distress.

Ava’s Law is set to be reviewed in 2029. Jacobs aims to monitor its implementation closely, not for financial gain, but to ensure schools prioritize child safety. “We want to incentivize schools to comply with the law,” she emphasized.

Jacobs concluded by acknowledging the collaborative effort that led to this change. She highlighted the importance of parity in protections for children in both public and private educational institutions, asserting that Ava’s Law marks a significant advancement in safeguarding student welfare.