ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

HB2417: family court; ongoing training

Sponsor: Representative Parker, LD 16

Committee on Judiciary

Overview

Requires all relevant family court personnel to complete ongoing training at least once every three years.

History

All full-time judges and court personnel complete at least 16 credit hours of judicial education each year. Judicial officers must attend a regional or national education training program at least once every three years. An accredited training program includes, but is not limited to, a program relating to the justice system and improves professional competencies and skills. Judges and court personnel without an exemption are subject to disciplinary action for failure to comply with the training requirements (Arizona Code of Judicial Administration § 1-302).

Judicial education refers to the continuing professional education of judges, probation and court personnel. The Committee on Judicial Education and Training (COJET) oversees all policies and procedures relating to accreditation and compliance of judicial education (Arizona Code of Judicial Administration § 1-302).

Family law referees or court commissioners are appointed by the presiding judge of the superior court in each county. The family law referees or court commissioners provide efficient establishment and enforcement of support orders (A.R.S. § 12-298).

Provisions

1. Establishes all relevant family court personnel complete ongoing training at least once every three years. (Sec. 1)

2. Specifies that the training:

a) Include the latest research in domestic violence advocacy that improves the family court's ability to respond to domestic violence cases; and

b) Encourage the family court to seek out current and valid scientific research on domestic violence advocacy matters. (Sec. 1)

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f) HB 2417

g) Initials LC/DG Page 0 Judiciary

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