If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes by adding a new section to Title 25, Chapter 4 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically section 25-407.01. The bill would prohibit courts from ordering parties to pay for any type of therapeutic intervention, including therapy, treatment, or counseling programs aimed at improving or maintaining parent-child or parent-parent relationships, without the consent of the involved party. This change aims to ensure that no party is compelled to undergo such interventions in legal decision-making or parenting time proceedings.

Additionally, the bill would restrict courts from taking testimony or making findings based on terminology or theories that lack scientific support and do not lead to evidence-based treatment in any legal decision-making or parenting time proceedings. This provision seeks to enhance the integrity of the legal process by ensuring that decisions are grounded in scientifically validated practices. Overall, the bill aims to protect the rights of individuals involved in family law cases while promoting evidence-based approaches in court proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 25-407.01
House Engrossed Version: 25-407.01