Bill > SB1631

This bill mandates that if a child alleges sexual abuse or a report indicates sexual abuse, a trained forensic interviewer must conduct an interview with the child immediately or within seventy-two hours of receiving the report, with "sexual abuse" defined to include various specific offenses related to sexual conduct with minors and exploitation. This seventy-two-hour requirement can be waived if the Department of Child Services (DCS) demonstrates good cause, such as the child being in inpatient care, not being located, or a parent/guardian being unresponsive or unable to make the child available for the interview. The bill also clarifies that a failure to meet these interview requirements will not impact the admissibility of evidence or statements made by the child in legal proceedings.

Health and Social Services

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85264