AR SB786

Adds the Department of Arkansas State Police to the definition of "department" under the Child Maltreatment Act, alongside the Department of Human Services.

Expands the Child Abuse Hotline to accept reports of child deaths that are sudden and unexpected and not caused by a known disease or illness for which the child was under physician's care.

Requires investigations of sudden and unexpected child deaths to begin within 24 hours (rather than the standard 72 hours), and includes specific examples such as sudden infant death syndrome, accidents, suicides, and homicides.

Directs the Department of Human Services and Department of Arkansas State Police to develop policies and procedures for child death investigations, determine whether deaths were caused by maltreatment, and assess homes for surviving children's safety.

Requires county coroners or sheriffs to report child deaths to both the Department of Health and the Child Abuse Hotline upon receipt of a death report.