AZ HB2588

Establishes a right to jury trial in cases to terminate parental rights under Arizona law, allowing parents to request a jury trial in writing before or at the initial termination hearing.

Requires notice of the jury trial option to be included in notices of initial hearings for termination of parental rights proceedings.

Allows a single jury trial to be held for multiple parents in the same proceeding, with jury composition consistent with limits established in section 21-102, subsection C.

Mandates that any jury trial must commence no later than 120 days after completion of the initial termination hearing.

Appropriates $15,000,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2023-2024 to the administrative office of the courts to implement jury trials, and requires a report to the governor and legislature by January 1, 2026 on jury trial usage, outcomes, and recommendations.