The bill HB2447 aims to continue the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) for an additional four years, extending its termination date to July 1, 2028. It introduces new requirements for DCS to investigate whether a mother is a qualifying medical cannabis patient in cases of suspected neglect and prenatal cannabis exposure. Additionally, before increasing the child placement rate for child welfare agencies or group foster homes, DCS must submit the proposed rate change to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) at least 90 days prior to the increase taking effect. The bill also removes the requirement for legislators and staff to sign a confidentiality form before discussing DCS information with other legislators.

Key changes from current law include the addition of the requirement for DCS to verify a mother's medical cannabis status in specific cases, the establishment of a reporting requirement for proposed changes to hotline assessment tools, and the stipulation that DCS must report all requests for child placement rate increases received as of January 1, 2023, along with justifications for those requests. The bill also repeals a section of current law regarding the termination of DCS, ensuring its continuation and oversight by the legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-3024.06, 41-3028.04
House Engrossed Version: 41-3024.06, 41-3028.04
Senate Engrossed Version: 8-201, 8-455, 8-458, 8-469, 8-807, 41-3024.06, 41-3028.04, 13-1404, 13-1405, 13-1406, 13-1410, 13-3552, 13-3553, 13-3608, 13-3212, 13-3401, 8-327, 13-501, 13-3903, 13-4261, 13-3623, 13-3601, 13-1417, 13-706, 32-3201, 15-803, 13-3620, 13-3551, 13-1401, 13-1411, 13-3507, 8-521.02, 8-456, 8-471, 36-2801, 36-2804.03, 41-1292, 13-1423, 11-593, 8-804, 41-3801, 8-807.01, 39-121.02
Chaptered Version: 8-201, 8-455, 8-458, 8-469, 8-807, 41-3024.06, 41-3028.04, 13-1404, 13-1405, 13-1406, 13-1410, 13-3552, 13-3553, 13-3608, 13-3212, 13-3401, 8-327, 13-501, 13-3903, 13-4261, 13-3623, 13-3601, 13-1417, 13-706, 32-3201, 15-803, 13-3620, 13-3551, 13-1401, 13-1411, 13-3507, 8-521.02, 8-456, 8-471, 36-2801, 36-2804.03, 41-1292, 13-1423, 11-593, 8-804, 41-3801, 8-807.01, 39-121.02