AZ SB1235

Modifies the clergy-penitent privilege in civil cases to remove the absolute confidentiality protection when a clergyman or priest determines the confession involves ongoing abuse (amends section 12-2233).

Requires members of the clergy, Christian Science practitioners, and priests to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect immediately to law enforcement or the Department of Child Safety, with an exception only for confidential communications about past abuse unless there is reasonable suspicion the abuse is ongoing or poses a threat to other minors (amends section 13-3620).

Establishes a new duty for clergy and religious practitioners to report based on knowledge or reasonable suspicion of current or future child abuse or neglect, separate from the existing duty to report observed abuse (creates new subsection B in section 13-3620).

Applies the reporting requirements to confidential or penitential communications only when the clergy member or priest determines abuse or neglect is still occurring or will occur in the future.

Violation of the reporting requirements constitutes a class 1 misdemeanor, or a class 6 felony if the failure to report involves a reportable offense such as sexual crimes against minors.