AZ HB2636

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-3620 to clarify the clergy exemption from mandatory reporting of child abuse, limiting it to confessions from penitent confessors only.

Defines "penitent confessor" as a parishioner, congregant, worshipper, or church member who meets with clergy, Christian Science practitioners, or priests in their official capacity to discuss or confess conduct in accordance with their religion and state law.

Specifies that the clergy exemption applies only to confessions from penitent confessors and does not apply to personal observations of abuse or communications that are not confessions from penitent confessors.

Clarifies that members of the clergy, Christian Science practitioners, and priests retain the duty to report known or suspected child abuse when acting in other capacities that would otherwise require reporting.

Establishes that communications not made in the context of a penitent confession do not fall under the exemption from mandatory reporting requirements.