Bill Text: AZ SB1188 | 2011 | Fiftieth Legislature 1st Regular | Introduced

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

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Bill Title: Adoption; marital preference

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 17-0)

Status: (Passed) 2011-04-18 - Governor Signed [SB1188 Detail]

Download: Arizona-2011-SB1188-Introduced.html

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REFERENCE TITLE: adoption; marital preference

 

 

 

State of Arizona

Senate

Fiftieth Legislature

First Regular Session

2011

 

 

SB 1188

 

Introduced by

Senators Gray, Barto, Yarbrough; Representatives Burges, Dial, Harper, Montenegro, Olson, Seel, Urie: Senators Allen, McComish, Shooter; Representatives Barton, Forese, Gray R, Judd

 

 

AN ACT

 

amending section 8-103, Arizona Revised Statutes; relating to adoption.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1.  Section 8-103, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:

START_STATUTE8-103.  Who may adopt

A.  Any adult resident of this state, whether married, unmarried or legally separated, is eligible to qualify to adopt children.  A husband and wife may jointly adopt children.

B.  Pursuant to rules adopted by the agency, the division, agency or adoption entity shall place an adoptable child in the adoptive setting that best meets the child's needs by considering all relevant factors, including:

1.  The wishes of the child's birth parents.

2.  Family relationships between the child and the adoptive family members.

3.  Marital status of the adoptive parents.

4.  The family's ability to financially provide for the child and to meet the child's emotional, physical, mental and social needs.

5.  The placement of the child's siblings.

6.  The availability of relatives, the adoptable child's former foster parents or other significant persons to provide support to the adoptive family and child.

C.  The division, agency or adoption entity shall give primary consideration to adoptive placement with a married man and woman.  The division, agency or adoption entity shall consider placement with a single individual if any of the following applies:

1.  A married couple is not available.

2.  The single person is a legal relative of the child.

3.  The alternative for the child is extended foster care.

4.  A meaningful and healthy relationship between the single person and the child has already been established.

5.  The adoption by a single individual is the result of a direct placement adoption pursuant to the wishes of the birth parent or parents.

6.  The child's best interests require the adoption by the single person.

D.  In each adoption proceeding the court shall make specific written findings regarding the best interests of the child pursuant to this section. END_STATUTE