AZ SB1604

Creates new section 8-468 establishing that Department of Child Safety (DCS) employees who knowingly lie, withhold material information, or fabricate evidence in official duties to influence case outcomes are guilty of a class 6 felony.

Amends section 8-821 to require DCS to consider providing emergency assistance or time for families to address nonlife-threatening neglect issues (such as unsanitary conditions or access to dangerous objects) before removing a child from the home.

Expands exigent circumstances definition in section 8-821 to include situations where emergency assistance could allow the accused person to leave the home, place the child with a relative/friend, or facilitate voluntary foster care placement as alternatives to removal.

Modifies section 8-822 to require DCS workers to notify supervisors within two hours (or by 8:30 a.m. the next day if after hours) when removing a child in exigent circumstances, changing terminology from "emergency" to "exigent circumstance."

Updates section 8-823 notice requirements to clarify that children taken into temporary custody for medical examination in exigent circumstances must be returned within twelve hours unless abuse or neglect is diagnosed.