The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend section 36-539 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to clarify the requirements for witness testimony during hearings for court-ordered treatment. Specifically, it would require that the evidence presented by the petitioner or patient includes testimony from two or more witnesses who observed or were acquainted with the patient at the time of the alleged mental disorder. This testimony would be limited to observed facts and would not include expert opinions or conclusions. Additionally, the bill specifies that witnesses may be individuals regardless of their professional licensure and outlines conditions under which they may testify based on their involvement in the evaluation process.

Furthermore, the bill would remove certain existing language that allows for the testimony of witnesses to be satisfied by a statement agreed upon by the parties, thereby emphasizing the need for direct witness testimony. It also retains the requirement for testimony from the evaluating physicians or health professionals regarding their personal observations and opinions about the patient's condition. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the process and ensure that witness testimony is focused on factual observations rather than expert interpretations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-539