DCS; investigations; interviews; recording

HB 2436 amends Arizona's child welfare laws to improve investigations of abuse and neglect reports. It requires DCS investigators to use evidence-informed safety assessments, mandates audio/video recording of child interviews (with limited exceptions), and bans covert voice stress analysis during investigations. The bill also appropriates $3.5 million for recording equipment in 2025-26 and $1 million annually starting in 2026-27. These changes directly affect DCS investigators, children involved in abuse/neglect cases, and families receiving child safety services.