AZ SB1624

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 8-817 to establish comprehensive investigation protocols for child abuse allegations involving criminal conduct in each county.

Requires the county attorney, sheriff, municipal law enforcement chiefs, and the Department of Child Safety to develop and implement joint investigation protocols that include standards for interdisciplinary investigations, forensic medical evaluations, and information sharing procedures.

Mandates annual reports from each county attorney to the Governor, House Speaker, and Senate President within 45 days after each fiscal year end, independently prepared and submitted as public documents detailing criminal conduct allegations investigated, charges filed, and reasons for declined prosecutions.

Establishes training requirements for child safety workers, law enforcement officers, and prosecutors in forensic interviewing skills and protocol compliance, with procedures for annual review and reporting of protocol adherence.

Includes procedures for utilizing children's advocacy centers as child-focused facilities that coordinate multidisciplinary investigations and provide forensic interviews, medical evaluations, and therapeutic services in compliance with county protocols and the Indian Child Welfare Act.