AZ SB1226

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 8-817 to establish comprehensive investigation protocols for child abuse allegations involving criminal conduct in each county.

Requires the county attorney, sheriff, municipal law enforcement, and the department to develop and implement protocols that include forensic medical evaluations, interdisciplinary investigations, information sharing procedures, and required training in forensic interviewing skills.

Mandates annual independent reports from child protective services and each county attorney to state leadership within 45 days after each fiscal year, including statistics on criminal allegations investigated, joint investigations conducted, criminal charges filed, and reasons prosecutions were declined.

Establishes procedures for dispute resolution and requires protocols to address investigations involving Native American children in compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act.

Adds new provisions regarding children's advocacy centers as child-focused facilities that coordinate multidisciplinary processes for investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse, including forensic interviews and access to medical evaluations and therapy services.