This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding a new section, 8-469.03, to title 8, chapter 4, article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The new provision will prohibit an attorney representing the Department of Child Safety (DCS) from appearing before a judge if that attorney has previously appeared before the same judge in any of DCS's last five cases. This aims to reduce potential bias and undue influence that may arise from familiarity between attorneys and judges.

Additionally, the bill includes statements of legislative intent emphasizing the importance of promoting the interests of biological families and minimizing the removal of minors from their homes, suggesting that such removals should be a last resort. The intent is to ensure a rotation of attorneys in front of various judges to counteract bias and maintain fairness in the judicial process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-469.03