AZ SB1159

Amends Arizona's custodial interference statute (A.R.S. § 13-1302) to establish that if a father acknowledges paternity or is named on the birth certificate, he is presumed to have the same custody rights as the child's mother for purposes of custodial interference law.

Adds a new presumption that fathers who acknowledge paternity pursuant to section 25-812 or whose names appear on the birth certificate pursuant to section 36-334 have equal custody rights with the mother unless a court determines otherwise in a custody proceeding.

Adds section 25-403.10 to create a statutory presumption that unmarried fathers have the same custody rights as mothers when paternity is acknowledged or the father is named on the birth certificate.

Provides an exemption from custodial interference charges for school officials who transfer physical control of a child based on advice from law enforcement, child safety workers, court orders, or to designated emergency contacts.