AZ HB2454

Amends Arizona law to require clergy, priests, and Christian Science practitioners to report child abuse and neglect, with an exception only when the information is received as a confidential communication and the clergy member determines abuse is not ongoing or future-occurring.

Modifies the clergy-penitent privilege in civil litigation (Section 12-2233) to eliminate the absolute privilege when a clergyman or priest receives a confession involving ongoing abuse.

Creates a new reporting requirement (Section 13-3620, subsection B) for clergy to report suspected child abuse or neglect based on knowledge or reasonable suspicion, separate from confidential communications.

Clarifies that the confidential communication exemption does not apply when clergy determine there is reasonable suspicion that abuse is ongoing, will continue, or may threaten other minors.

Violation of the reporting requirements is classified as a class 1 misdemeanor, or class 6 felony if the failure to report involves a reportable offense.