AZ HB2598

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 8-103 to allow any adult resident of Arizona, whether married, unmarried, or legally separated, to adopt children.

Replaces the term "husband and wife" with "married couple" to allow married couples of any gender composition to jointly adopt children.

Removes the provision that gave placement preference to married couples over single adults when all other relevant factors were equal.

Maintains that adoption placement decisions must prioritize the child's safety, social, emotional, physical, and mental health needs, with consideration of factors including marital stability, sibling placement, established relationships, and financial ability.

Requires courts to make findings on the record regarding the best interests of the child in each adoption proceeding.