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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
Senate: JUDE DPA 7-0-0-0 | Third Read 27-0-3-0-0House: JUD DP 7-0-1-1 |
SB 1127: duty to report; abuse; neglect
Sponsor: Senator Werner, LD 4
House Engrossed
Overview
Requires mandatory reporters to report child abuse to the Department of Child Safety (DCS) immediately and personally, rather than delegating the reporting.
History
Arizona law mandates certain individuals — including health care professionals, counselors, social workers, school personnel, peace officers, parents and guardians — immediately report to law enforcement or DCS when they reasonably believe a minor has been the victim of abuse, neglect or other specified offenses. Failure to report by a mandatory reporter is a class 1 misdemeanor, elevated to a class 6 felony if the unreported matter involves certain sexual abuse offences (A.R.S. § 13-3620).
Provisions
1. Specifies that a mandatory reporter who has direct knowledge that a minor is the victim of abuse or neglect must immediately report such to DCS and may not delegate another person to make the report. (Sec. 1)
2. Exempts individuals who are employees or agents of a health care institution from the duty to report. (Sec. 1)
3. Allows employees or agents of health care institutions to delegate reporting to a designated agent if the delegation is reasonably required to allow the employee or agent to continue patient care or to comply with applicable standards of care, including obligations under state or federal law. (Sec. 1)
4. Asserts the intention of the legislation is not to require more than one report from an employee or agent for the same facts and circumstances that led to a reasonable belief of abuse or neglect. (Sec. 1)
5. Prohibits a school resource officer or school safety officer from supervising, managing or directing a law enforcement investigation into a public school or contracting employee's alleged conduct involving minors. (Sec. 2)
6. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1)
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10. Initials NM SB 1127
11. 3/30/2026 Page 0 House Engrossed
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