AZ SB1008

Amends Arizona's mandatory reporting law to require clergy, priests, and Christian Science practitioners to report suspected ongoing child abuse or neglect, removing the blanket confidentiality exemption for confessions.

Establishes that clergy may withhold reporting of past confessions about abuse only if they determine there is reasonable suspicion the abuse is ongoing, will continue, or may threaten other minors.

Creates a new reporting duty for clergy to report knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect occurring or likely to occur in the future, separate from confidential communications.

Modifies the clergy-penitent privilege in civil and criminal litigation to allow examination of confessions when there is reasonable suspicion of ongoing or future abuse, child abuse, or abandonment.

Clarifies that the confidentiality exemption applies only to communications made in the clergy's religious role and discipline, not to personal observations of the minor.