SB 1171 Summary

• Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 8-103 to change language from "husband and wife" to "married couple" regarding joint adoption eligibility.

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

• Retains the requirement that adoption placement prioritize the child's safety, social, emotional, physical and mental health needs as the primary consideration.

• Maintains consideration of marital status and length/stability of marital relationships as relevant factors (among others) in adoption placement decisions, but eliminates the preferential treatment.