AZ SB1041

Establishes civil unions in Arizona by adding Chapter 23 to Title 12, allowing two eligible persons to register a contractual relationship with the county clerk by submitting a notarized affidavit.

Requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, not related by blood in disqualifying ways, not currently married, and competent to contract; filing fees match those for marriage licenses under Title 25.

Grants parties to a civil union identical legal responsibilities and benefits as married couples, including community property rights, inheritance, guardianship, conservatorship, life insurance, burial, cremation, and adoption.

Allows modification of civil union terms through premarital-style agreements and dissolution through the same court procedures as divorce under Title 25, Chapter 3.

Protects religious organizations from any requirement to participate in formalizing civil unions, while allowing persons authorized to solemnize marriages to formalize civil unions.