Bill > SB1644

This bill expands the list of individuals mandated to report suspected child abuse, neglect, or injury to the Department of Child Safety (DCS) or law enforcement by including certain individuals present in a family court setting. Specifically, it adds judicial officers presiding over family court matters, their staff, the clerk of the court, court reporters, and sheriff's deputies who are in a family courtroom to the list of mandatory reporters. This means these individuals, if they reasonably believe a minor is a victim of abuse or neglect while in the family court environment, are now legally required to report it, similar to how doctors, teachers, and law enforcement officers are currently required to report such concerns. The bill aims to strengthen protections for children by ensuring that more individuals who interact with vulnerable children in legal settings are obligated to report potential harm.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85283