SB1580 is a bill that amends sections 8-514.05 and 8-809.01 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, focusing on parents' rights regarding the vaccination of their children under the care of the Department of Child Safety (DCS) or other related caregivers. The bill prohibits DCS, foster parents, group home and foster home staff, relatives, or other responsible parties from consenting to the vaccination of a child if the child's parent, whose parental rights have not been terminated, objects to the vaccination in writing to DCS. This bill grants parents, guardians, or custodians the right to make decisions about the vaccination of their children in DCS custody, unless parental rights have been terminated or a court orders otherwise.

The bill makes technical and conforming changes to the current law, which previously did not include specific provisions regarding the consent for vaccinations. The bill also renumbers the rights of parents, guardians, or custodians whose children are in DCS custody, adding the right to make decisions about vaccinations as a new point and adjusting subsequent numbering accordingly. The bill is set to become effective on the general effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-514.05, 8-809.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 8-514.05, 8-809.01