Bill > HB2923

This bill adds a new section to Arizona law that provides specific guidelines for expert witness testimony in parenting time proceedings involving allegations of domestic violence or abuse. Under the new provisions, expert witnesses in such cases must have both expertise and clinical experience working directly with victims of domestic violence or abuse, and their expertise cannot be solely based on forensic work. The bill restricts expert witnesses to using only psychological testing, principles, diagnoses, and concepts that are empirically established and generally accepted as valid and reliable. Furthermore, the court is prohibited from allowing evidence from polygraph examinations, voice-stress analysis, or other psychological measures. The bill also clearly defines key terms such as "abuse" (referencing section 8-201), "domestic violence" (referencing section 13-3601), and "forensic" (describing professional activities related to court proceedings or litigation). By establishing these stringent qualifications and limitations, the bill aims to ensure that expert testimony in parenting time cases involving domestic violence or abuse is scientifically sound, credible, and focused on the genuine experiences of victims.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83402