This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding a new section to Title 25, Chapter 4, Article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically Section 25-419. Under the new provisions, a parent who has been awarded less than 35 percent of parenting time or no legal decision-making authority will have the right to request a jury trial to determine parenting time or legal decision-making. Additionally, in contested cases, the jury will be required to make specific findings based on the factors outlined in Section 25-403, ensuring that the jury's decision reflects the best interests of the child.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that requests for jury trials in these matters will take precedence over other civil cases. It also expresses legislative intent that the state should promote equitable awards of parenting time, including equal time for both parents during significant occasions such as holidays and birthdays. Overall, these changes aim to enhance parental rights and ensure fair treatment in legal decision-making and parenting time disputes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 25-419