AZ HB2070

Removes the requirement for clergy, priests, and Christian Science practitioners to obtain a person's consent before disclosing confidential confessions or communications if they determine the abuse is ongoing or poses a threat to other minors.

Creates a new mandatory reporting duty for clergy, priests, and Christian Science practitioners to report any knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect, except for confidential communications unless the abuse is ongoing or will occur in the future.

Modifies the clergy-penitent privilege in civil and criminal litigation to allow examination of confessions when there is reasonable suspicion the abuse is ongoing or may occur in the future.

Amends section 12-2233 to remove the blanket consent requirement for clergy testimony about confessions, allowing disclosure when ongoing abuse is determined.

Changes terminology and cross-references throughout Arizona Revised Statutes sections 8-201, 12-2233, and 13-3620 to align with the expanded reporting obligations for religious professionals.