AZ SB1647

Establishes a pretrial diversion program for primary caregivers charged with misdemeanor or felony offenses, with criminal proceedings suspended for 6-24 months without a guilty plea.

Requires defendants to be custodial parents or legal guardians living with and providing care/financial support to a minor child whose absence would be detrimental to the child.

Diversion program may include parenting classes, counseling, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence education, anger management, job training, and housing assistance.

Allows prosecutors, courts, or probation to reinstate criminal proceedings if the defendant performs unsatisfactorily or is convicted of a felony or violent offense.

Requires charges to be dismissed upon successful completion; seals arrest records so defendant can state they were not arrested, except peace officer background checks and direct questions about arrests still require disclosure.