AZ HB2967

Revises Arizona's custodial interference law (ARS 13-1302) to require proof of malicious intent or bad faith for joint custody violations, rather than the act alone constituting an offense

Creates new defenses for parents who withhold children based on documented abuse concerns, including when acting on written recommendations from medical providers, mental health professionals, school officials, law enforcement, or child safety professionals

Establishes that a parent does not commit custodial interference when the other parent fails to appear for scheduled parenting time exchanges within 30 minutes without notification of extenuating circumstances

Reduces penalties for first and second parenting time exchange violations to a Class 1 misdemeanor with a $500 fine only, requiring the court to find intentional interference or bad faith before conviction

Adds a statutory definition of "good faith" as a genuine belief based on articulable facts, child disclosures, observed behavior, or professional guidance that a child may be at risk, regardless of whether abuse is ultimately substantiated