Bill > HB2454

This bill amends several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to the duty to report. The key provisions are: 1. Clergy, Christian Science practitioners, and priests must report known or suspected ongoing child abuse or neglect, unless the information was obtained through a confidential communication or confession, unless the clergy member determines there is reasonable suspicion the abuse or neglect is ongoing or may occur in the future. 2. The bill removes the requirement that a clergy member, Christian Science practitioner, or priest must obtain consent from the person making a confession before reporting suspected child abuse or neglect revealed during the confession. 3. The bill expands the circumstances under which clergy, Christian Science practitioners, and priests can be compelled to testify about confidential communications, allowing the court to order disclosure if there is reasonable suspicion the abuse or neglect is ongoing or may occur in the future.