The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to parenting time. It would update the factors that courts must consider when determining parenting time, replacing the existing criteria with new priorities such as the child's bond with their primary caregiver, the preservation of the child's existing schedule, and the child's safety and well-being. Additionally, the bill allows courts to consider instances of domestic violence, substance abuse, and the mental and physical health of all individuals involved when making parenting time determinations. The bill also mandates that courts make specific factual findings on the record for both temporary and final orders in parenting time cases.

Furthermore, the bill removes certain existing provisions, including the entitlement of a non-custodial parent to frequent and meaningful contact with the child, and the requirement for parents to submit a proposed parenting plan if they cannot agree. It clarifies that serious danger to the child is necessary to restrict a parent's rights and prohibits courts from assuming that shared parenting time is in the child's best interests during modification petitions. Overall, the bill aims to refine the legal framework surrounding parenting time to better reflect the best interests of the child while addressing concerns related to safety and well-being.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 25-403, 25-403.02, 25-411, 25-403.03, 13-2907.02, 25-403.04, 25-403.05, 25-401, 25-408
House Engrossed Version: 25-403, 25-403.01, 25-403.02, 25-411, 25-403.03, 13-2907.02, 13-3601, 8-201, 25-403.04, 25-403.05, 25-401, 25-408