HB2541

THE CONTEXT: In Arizona DCS or another interested party, such as a relative, may initiate proceedings to protect a child who is being abused or poorly cared for. These proceedings can include dependency petitions and petitions to terminate parental rights ( A.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would requires, from any petitioner filing a petition to terminate parental rights, a notarized affidavit that affirms that there has been a full disclosure and an exchange of all information in the custody of DCS and any other related evidence, requires, from any party filing a dependency petition, a notarized affidavit that affirms that there has been a full disclosure and an exchange of all information in the custody of DCS and any other related evidence, and specifies that the aforesaid affidavits, in petitions to terminate parental rights or dependency petitions, must include: a) a description of the information in the custody of DCS and any other evidence disclosed; b) the date on which each piece of information or evidence was disclosed; and c) the method used for delivering the disclosed information and evidence.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to give the people who rely on the rule clearer information and a defined reporting process. It would requires, from any petitioner filing a petition to terminate parental rights, a notarized affidavit that affirms that there has been a full disclosure and an exchange of all information in the custody of DCS and any other related evidence, and would also requires, from any party filing a dependency petition, a notarized affidavit that affirms that there has been a full disclosure and an exchange of all information in the custody of DCS and any other related evidence, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.