AZ HB2604

Establishes a Child and Family Representation Program within the Administrative Office of the Courts to ensure uniform, high-quality legal representation for children and parents in dependency proceedings.

Requires the Supreme Court to employ personnel including a child and family representation compliance chief to administer the program.

Program shall assess training availability, develop minimum training and practice standards for attorneys, audit attorney compliance, file ethical complaints against violating attorneys, and recommend fair compensation rates.

Requires annual reports to the legislature by June 30 on measures assessing counsel effectiveness, with a mandatory legislative review of program outcomes every five years beginning in 2030.

Appropriates $200,000 and one FTE from the state general fund in fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Administrative Office of the Courts for program implementation.