This bill proposes several updates to current statutes regarding legal decision-making and parenting time in Arizona. It introduces new provisions that prevent courts from excluding relevant evidence based solely on its format, hearsay classification, or procedural processes, provided the evidence pertains to a child's safety, mental or emotional well-being, trauma indicators, expressed wishes, or the behavior of either parent. Additionally, the bill mandates that if relevant evidence is discovered late, the court must continue the evidentiary hearing to allow for its submission, provided there is good cause for the delay.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that a parent's criminal record must be admitted as evidence in legal decision-making or parenting time matters. It requires courts to make written findings regarding the relevance and credibility of evidence submitted under the new provisions, and failure to do so would be considered a reversible error. The bill also ensures that both parents have equal opportunities to submit evidence, with any unequal treatment deemed prejudicial and subject to immediate appellate review. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the court's ability to protect children's safety and well-being by facilitating the admission of critical evidence.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 25-419