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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
mandatory reporting; family court
Purpose
Expands the list of persons who are considered mandatory reporters to include specified individuals who are in a family courtroom.
Background
Statute assigns various individuals with a mandatory duty to report when they reasonably believe a minor has been the subject of non-accidental physical injury, abuse, child abuse, neglect, the denial of necessary medical care or when a newborn may be affected by drugs or alcohol. Individuals with a mandatory duty to report include medical and behavioral health professionals, law enforcement and child-welfare personnel, members of the clergy, parents and guardians, school personnel and related victim advocates, individuals responsible for a child's care or treatment, their supervisors and administrators and members of school governing bodies. These mandated reporters must immediately notify a peace officer, the Department of Child Safety or appropriate tribal authorities when such reasonable belief arises. The report must outline suspected abuse, neglect, serious physical injury, deprivation of necessary medical treatment or nourishment or prenatal substance exposure in newborns, including relevant identifying information and details about the nature and circumstances of the suspected harm (A.R.S. § 13-3620).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Adds all of the following individuals to the list of persons who are considered mandatory reporters, if the individuals are in a family courtroom:
a) judicial officers presiding over a family court matter;
b) members of the judicial officer's staff;
c) clerks of the court;
d) court reporters; and
e) sheriff's deputies.
2. Makes technical and conforming changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
· Adds all sheriff's deputies, rather than only Maricopa County sheriff's deputies, to the statutory list of mandatory reporters.
Senate Action
JUDE 2/18/26 DPA 4-3-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 20, 2026
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