The proposed bill would update current statutes by establishing a new Child and Family Representation Program within the Administrative Office of the Courts, aimed at providing high-quality legal representation for juveniles, parents, and guardians in juvenile court. This program would require the Supreme Court to hire necessary personnel, assess attorney training, recommend practice standards, and report annually on its effectiveness. Additionally, the bill would remove prohibitions on salary increases for family law judicial officers and employees during FY 2026 through FY 2028, prohibit the judicial branch from contracting for lobbying services, and remove the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts from the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. Moreover, the bill introduces a new process for erroneous conviction claims, allowing wrongfully convicted individuals to seek compensation from the state, while establishing the Erroneous Convictions Fund to support these claims. It mandates that courts issue findings of erroneous conviction, expunge related records, and restore civil rights, including firearm possession. The bill also outlines responsibilities for various agencies in sealing and destroying records, ensures victim compensation for mental health treatment, and addresses misconduct by city or county employees contributing to wrongful convictions. Overall, these updates aim to enhance legal representation in child welfare cases and improve the framework for addressing wrongful convictions in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 12-102.05, 12-299.16, 13-2314.01, 31-227, 41-2409, 8-221, 35-190, 13-2301, 13-2312, 13-2314.03, 13-4315, 41-196, 13-4301, 41-1278
House Engrossed Version: 12-102.05, 12-299.16, 12-751.01, 13-2314.01, 31-227, 41-1234, 41-2404, 41-2409, 8-221, 12-751, 35-190, 13-2301, 13-2312, 13-2314.03, 13-4315, 41-196, 13-4301, 41-1278, 13-3821, 41-622, 13-610, 13-4033, 13-4401, 41-2407, 41-1231