The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to the Department of Child Safety (DCS) by requiring the department to record interviews with children involved in investigations, using audio or video, unless specific exceptions apply, such as equipment malfunction or unforeseen circumstances preventing access to recording equipment. Additionally, it clarifies that individuals charged with child abuse or neglect cannot contest the failure to record interviews, and such failures do not affect the admissibility of statements made by children during these interviews in legal proceedings.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the DCS Director apply for federal grants to support the recording of interviews if federal legislation providing such grants is enacted. The requirement for recording interviews and the associated provisions would be repealed after December 31, 2036, unless the federal grant condition is met. The bill also includes a notification requirement for the DCS Director to inform the Arizona Legislative Council about the status of the federal grant condition by the same date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-456
House Engrossed Version: 8-456