The proposed bill, SB1664, mandates the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) to implement a tiered system for the central registry of child abuse and neglect by September 15, 2025. This system will categorize individuals based on the severity of their offenses and the risk they pose for future abuse or neglect. The bill changes the standard for recording findings of abuse or neglect from "probable cause" to "preponderance of the evidence," and it requires DCS to maintain registry entries for a maximum of 25 years after a court finding. Additionally, the bill stipulates that DCS must purge entries monthly according to the new rules and allows individuals on the registry to request early removal.

Key changes from current law include the establishment of a tiered system for registry entries, the shift in the evidentiary standard for findings of abuse, and the removal of certain procedural requirements for DCS, such as the ability to petition the juvenile court for findings. The bill also restores the administrative hearing process for individuals accused of abuse or neglect and requires that any allegations recorded on the central registry must be disclosed by individuals seeking employment in positions that provide direct services to children or vulnerable adults. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness and fairness of the child safety system in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-456, 8-802, 8-804, 8-804.01, 8-804.02, 8-811, 8-841, 41-619.57, 41-1092.02, 8-817, 8-471, 8-455, 8-821, 8-846, 8-806, 41-1292, 41-1758.07, 8-458, 8-844, 36-551, 8-807, 95-608
Senate Engrossed Version: 8-802, 8-804, 8-804.01, 8-804.02, 8-811, 8-841, 41-619.57, 41-1758.07, 8-456, 8-817, 8-471, 8-458, 8-844, 36-551, 8-807, 8-807.01, 13-3620, 41-1092.03, 41-1092.08, 8-455, 8-846, 95-608
Chaptered Version: 8-802, 8-804, 8-804.01, 8-804.02, 8-811, 8-841, 41-619.57, 41-1758.07, 8-456, 8-817, 8-471, 8-458, 8-844, 36-551, 8-807, 8-807.01, 13-3620, 41-1092.03, 41-1092.08, 8-455, 8-846, 95-608