Signed by Governor Doug Ducey

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that repeals parent-child relationships when there is a legitimate interest of doing so.

Highlights:

• Authorize any person or agency with a legitimate interest in the welfare of a child to file a petition for the termination of the parent-child relationship (Sec. 1A).

• Classifies the following as evidence to justify the termination of the parent-child relationship (Sec. 1B):

• The parent abandoned the child;

• The parent neglected or willfully abused the child;

• The parent is unable to tend to parental responsibilities;

• The parent is deprived of civil liberties due to the conviction of a felony;

• The potential father failed to file a paternity action within 30 days of completion of services;

• The parents have relinquished their rights to a child to an agency or have consented to adoption;

• The child is being cared for in an out-of-home placement;

• The identity of the parent is unknown;

• The parent has had parental rights to another child terminated within the preceding 2 years;

• The child was cared for in an out-of-home placement;

• The agency caring for the child made diligent reunification services; and

• Clear and convincing evidence that the parent committed a sexual assault against the petitioning parent and the child was conceived as a result of the sexual assault.

Full Bill Text