summary
Introduced
01/20/2026
01/20/2026
In Committee
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session (2026)
Bill Summary
AN ACT amending section 8-221, Arizona Revised Statutes; relating to juvenile court.
AI Summary
This bill amends Arizona law regarding legal representation in juvenile court proceedings, specifically focusing on the appointment of attorneys and guardians ad litem. It clarifies that in delinquency proceedings, the court must appoint an attorney for the child before the first hearing, and this attorney will represent the child throughout all stages of the case. The bill also mandates that in dependency proceedings or cases involving the termination of parental rights, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem, who must be an attorney, to protect the child's best interests, and depending on the child's age and ability to communicate, an additional attorney may also be appointed for the child. Furthermore, it requires these appointed legal representatives to meet with the juvenile before preliminary protective hearings and all substantive hearings, with exceptions for extraordinary circumstances.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Senate minority caucus: Do pass (on 02/25/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84745 |
| Analysis - SENATE FACT SHEET: 02/24/2026 JUDE As Passed Committee | https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/GetDocumentPdf/538735 |
| SENATE - Judiciary and Elections | https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/GetDocumentPdf/538369 |
| SENATE - Judiciary and Elections | https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/GetDocumentPdf/538107 |
| Analysis - SENATE FACT SHEET: 02/09/2026 JUDE | https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/GetDocumentPdf/536678 |
| BillText | https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2r/bills/sb1234p.htm |
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