Bill that would’ve rolled back child’s right to counsel dies
03/19/2026, Arizona, Legislation, Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
SB1234 would have changed Section 8-221(A) to remove language that appointed counsel represents the child “in a dependency proceeding, through dismissal.” It also would have amended Section 8-221(F) to merely require the appointment of an attorney guardian ad litem for the child in Dependency or TPR matters, while adding the following language to 8-221(F): “Depending on the child’s age and ability to express an opinion, the court may also appoint an attorney for the child.”
Fortunately, the bill died in Committee.
Bill Status: Dead
Last action (on 03/19/2026): House read second time
The NCCRC submitted testimony in opposition to the bill, which would roll back the child's RTC established in 2021.
