AZ HB2321

Requires the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to place a security freeze on a dependent child's credit report or record within 30 days of the child being adjudicated dependent and placed in DCS care.

Security freezes remain in effect until the child turns 16 years old, at which point the child may choose to keep or remove the freeze.

DCS must notify parents or guardians when a security freeze is placed and again when the child leaves DCS custody, including instructions for removing the freeze.

Expands the definition of "protected person" under existing consumer reporting law to include children in DCS care, allowing security freezes without fees.

Appropriates $100,000 and one FTE position from the state general fund in fiscal year 2026-2027 to DCS to implement the security freeze program and address credit fraud issues for dependent children.