The proposed bill amends section 13-3620 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, updating the language regarding the duty to report suspected child abuse. It introduces the term "penitent confessor" to clarify the relationship between clergy and individuals seeking spiritual guidance, specifying that this term refers to those who meet with clergy in an official capacity to discuss or confess conduct related to their faith. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that clergy members are not exempt from reporting known or suspected child abuse when acting in any other capacity that would require such reporting, thereby reinforcing their obligation to protect minors.

The bill also modifies existing language by replacing "communication or confession" with "confession from a penitent confessor," and it clarifies that the exemption for withholding reports applies only to confessions, not to personal observations or other communications. This change aims to ensure that the duty to report remains intact while recognizing the confidentiality of certain religious communications. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of child abuse reporting laws in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-3620