AZ SB1198

Courts cannot refuse to certify or grant adoption to a prospective parent based solely on blindness if otherwise qualified, with the burden of proof on the party alleging the blindness is detrimental to the child.

Department of Child Services cannot refuse to license a foster home based on prospective foster parent's blindness if the home otherwise qualifies, requiring clear and convincing evidence of danger to children.

Courts cannot remove a child from a blind parent's home or deny visitation/reunification based on blindness alone; the party alleging detriment must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the parent's behavior endangers the child.

Courts cannot refuse to appoint a blind individual as a minor's guardian based on blindness if the appointment is otherwise in the minor's best interests.

In custody and parenting time decisions, courts cannot consider a parent's blindness unless they specifically find the blindness significantly inhibits the parent's ability to meet the child's needs and the parent lacks sufficient resources to supplement their abilities.