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Bill

HB 2662

parenting time; expert testimony; qualifications

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Michael Carbone and 3 co-sponsors

Arizona bill establishing professional qualification requirements for experts testifying about parenting time in family court custody proceedings.

Vetoed by Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2662

Legislative bill overview

HB 2662 establishes qualifications and standards for expert testimony regarding parenting time in custody and family law proceedings. The bill sets requirements for experts who testify about child custody, parental fitness, or parenting arrangements in Arizona courts.

Why is this important

Expert testimony heavily influences custody decisions that directly affect children's living arrangements and parental rights. Clear qualification standards aim to ensure only qualified professionals testify, potentially improving decision-making quality and reducing inconsistent expert opinions across cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Professional gatekeeping concerns: Defining which credentials qualify experts may exclude legitimate practitioners (social workers, counselors) while favoring certain professions, potentially limiting party access to affordable expert testimony
  • Implementation ambiguity: Bill language may not clearly specify whether qualifications apply retroactively, how existing cases transition, or which licensing bodies determine competency
  • Defense of parental autonomy: Some argue strict expert qualification standards could shift power toward well-resourced litigants who can afford credentials-verified experts, disadvantaging pro se parents and lower-income families

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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