SB 1128 Summary

• Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 8-112 regarding social study requirements for adoption proceedings.

• Changes the minimum residency requirement from one year to six months for stepparent adoptions (when stepparent has been married to birth or legal parent for at least one year) and for adoptions by adult siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, or great-grandparents.

• Allows simplified social studies consisting only of criminal records checks and central registry checks for stepparents and qualifying relatives meeting the six-month residency threshold.

• Permits abbreviated social studies (central registry check plus review of material changes in circumstances) for prospective adoptive parents who have adopted a child, been appointed permanent guardian, or been licensed as foster parents within the preceding three years.

• Designated as emergency legislation, effective immediately upon passage.