This bill proposes updates to the existing statutes regarding parental rights by amending section 1-602 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. It clarifies that a parent's right to make health care decisions for a minor child explicitly includes the right to make mental health care decisions. Additionally, it introduces a new requirement that if a court awards compensatory damages for violations of the Parents' Bill of Rights, the total amount must be at least $2,500 for each violation.

The bill also retains the current legal framework that allows governmental entities or officials to interfere with parental rights only under specific conditions, requiring them to demonstrate a compelling government interest. If they fail to do so, the court is mandated to provide appropriate relief, which now includes the stipulation for minimum compensatory damages as outlined in the new insertion. Overall, these changes aim to strengthen parental rights and ensure a baseline for damages in cases of violations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 1-602
Senate Engrossed Version: 1-602