ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-seventh Legislature First Regular Session
	Senate: JUDE DPA 4-3-0-0 | 3^rd Read 17-12-0-1 House: JUD DP 4-2-2-1

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SB 1244: child abduction; biological family relationship

Sponsor: Senator Farnsworth, LD 10

Caucus & COW

Overview

Broadens the scope of who may qualify for a reduced penalty when a child under state custody is not promptly returned.

History

It is a criminal offense to abduct a child under the custody of a state agency, such as the Department of Child Safety or Department of Juvenile Corrections. A person commits this offense if he knowingly takes, entices or retains such a child from lawful custody; or if he refuses or impedes the child’s prompt return after visitation. The penalties vary based on the circumstances, ranging from a class 3 felony (if the child is taken out of state) to a class 1 misdemeanor (if the child left voluntarily and the parent’s motive was protective) (A.R.S. § 13-1310).

Provisions

1. Expands who may qualify for a reduced penalty, when a child in state custody is not promptly returned, from only the child's natural or adoptive parents to any adult with a biological family relationship to the child. (Sec. 1)

2. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)

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                        SB 1244

Initials NM    Page 0 Caucus & COW

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