Assigned to JUD                                                                                                  AS PASSED BY COMMITTEE

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Fourth Legislature, Second Regular Session

AMENDED

FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2233

court rules; signatures; court documents

Purpose

            Allows the Arizona Supreme Court to accept electronic signatures, on specified court documents.

Background

The Arizona Supreme Court is required to regulate pleading, practice and procedure in judicial proceedings, by rules promulgated from time to time, for the purpose of simplifying such pleading, practice and procedure and promoting speedy determination of litigation upon its merits. The rules must not abridge, enlarge or modify substantive rights of a litigant. The Arizona Supreme Court is required to print and distribute the rules to all members of the State Bar of Arizona and all others who apply. The rules are effective 60 days after distribution (A.R.S. § 12-109).

            There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1. Allows the Arizona Supreme Court to accept electronic signatures, on court documents that require a sworn written declaration, verification, certificate, statement, oath or affidavit.

2. Makes technical and conforming changes.

3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.

Amendments Adopted by Committee

· Allows the Arizona Supreme Court to accept specified documents with an electronic signature.

House Action Senate Action

JUD                 1/29/20      DP     10-0-0-0               JUD                 3/12/20      DPA     6-0-1

3^rd Read          2/6/20                   60-0-0                 

Prepared by Senate Research

March 13, 2020

JA/ML/kja