AZ HB2402

Requires the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to audiotape or videotape any interview conducted with a child during investigations, unless equipment malfunctions or recording equipment is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances.

Prohibits criminal defendants charged with child abuse or neglect from objecting to the department's failure to comply with recording requirements, and failure to record does not render otherwise admissible child statements inadmissible in criminal or dependency proceedings.

Allows parents or legal guardians to record conversations with the department outside of judicial proceedings without restriction.

Maintains existing requirements that investigators receive training in forensic interviewing, safety assessment models, victim rights, and legal rights of parents and families.

Requires the department to present any proposed new safety assessment models to the joint legislative oversight committee on DCS or appropriate legislative committees before implementation.