ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

Senate: JUD DP 8-0-0-0 | 3rd Read 30-0-0-0

House: JUD DP 10-0-0-1 | 3rd Read 60-0-0-0


SB 1415: guardianship proceedings; sealing of records

Sponsor:  Senator Barto, LD 15

Transmitted to the Governor

Overview

Permits the court to prohibit public access to files regarding petitions for guardianship.

History

The court may appoint a guardian as requested if there is clear and convincing evidence that the individual being appointed a guardian:

1)   Is incapacitated;

2)   Requires a guardian to provide for demonstrated needs; and

3)   Has needs that cannot be met by less restrictive means. 

Unless the appointment of a guardian is due solely to the ward’s physical incapacity, the court is required to collect and transmit the following information about the ward to the department of public safety:

1)   Name;

2)   Sex;

3)   Date of birth;

4)   Last four digits of the ward’s social security number; and

5)   If available, the court case number, the court originating agency identification number and date of the guardian’s appointment to the supreme court (A.R.S. § 14-5305).

Provisions

1.   ☐ Prop 105 (45 votes)	     ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes)      ☐ Emergency (40 votes)	☐ Fiscal NotePermits the court to prohibit public access to a file regarding a petition for guardianship, the records contained in the file or information about the file if the petition for guardianship:

a)   Is withdrawn before an adjudication of incapacity;

b)   Is denied on the basis that the allegation of incapacity is unproven; or

c)   Was filed without merit. (Sec. 1)

2.   Allows the court to restore public access to a file regarding a petition for guardianship and related information in a subsequent court order provided there is a showing of good cause. (Sec. 1)

3.    

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6.                     SB 1415

7.   Initials LC/PN        Page 0 Transmitted to the Governor

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