Bill > SB1476

This bill amends Arizona law to define child neglect in cases of prenatal substance exposure, establishing that a person with custody of a child commits child neglect if their actions harm the child and involve neglect as defined in state law, specifically referencing subsections (c) or (d) of section 8-201, which outlines conditions of neglect. Importantly, the bill introduces an affirmative defense for mothers who can prove they completed alcohol or drug treatment during their pregnancy, meaning this defense could absolve them of responsibility under this new law. The bill classifies child neglect under these circumstances as a class 6 felony, which is a serious criminal offense in Arizona.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85068