AZ SB1544

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 12-341.01 to expand attorney fee recovery beyond contract-based civil actions to include any contested civil action.

Allows courts to award reasonable attorney fees to the successful party or to a party whose written settlement offer is rejected if the final judgment is equal to or more favorable than the offer.

Adds prohibition on awarding attorney fees to the state or its cities, towns, or counties in actions to enforce or challenge provisions of law, regulations, or ordinances.

Requires courts to award attorney fees upon clear and convincing evidence that a claim or defense constitutes harassment, is groundless, and is not made in good faith.

Applies only to actions commenced on or after the effective date of the act.