The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section (12-120.25) that allows parties to seek a rehearing en banc in the Arizona Court of Appeals under specific conditions. Currently, the law does not provide a formal mechanism for such rehearings. The new provisions would require that a petition for rehearing en banc must include a statement indicating that the panel's decision conflicts with a prior decision, along with citations to the conflicting cases. Additionally, it would stipulate that a majority of active appellate judges can order a rehearing without needing to call for a vote, emphasizing that rehearings en banc are not favored unless the outlined criteria are met.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that any petition for rehearing en banc must be filed within fourteen days after a judgment is entered, or within fourteen days after an amended decision is issued. If granted, the court would have the discretion to either dispose of the case without further proceedings, order additional briefing or argument, or issue any other appropriate order. This update aims to enhance the uniformity of court decisions and streamline the rehearing process in the appellate system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-1299.25
House Engrossed Version: 12-120.25