HB 2492 Arizona House · 57th Legislature - First Regular Session

guardianship; court appointments; care placement

HB 2492 modifies Arizona's guardianship laws to streamline court appointments for minors nearing adulthood. It allows petitions for guardianship to automatically take effect on a minor's 18th birthday if filed when they are 17 years and six months old, provided a recent medical evaluation (within six months of filing) supports the request. The bill updates petition requirements to include specific details about the minor's condition, existing legal documents (like health care powers of attorney), and alternatives considered, while ensuring the minor's right to representation and a hearing. This directly affects minors aged 17.5+ who may be deemed incapacitated and their families navigating legal guardianship transitions.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Apr 2025

House Passage

Feb 2025

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 28, 2025 Last action Apr 1, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Version → House Engrossed Version · 6 edits · Feb 20, 2025

MODERATE

This bill updates Arizona's guardianship laws to improve clarity and consistency in how courts handle guardianship petitions and evaluations. The changes add specific requirements for petition content, clarify evaluation procedures, and establish clearer standards for medical reports and guardian responsibilities.

REQUIREMENT

Added specific requirements for petition content including statements about life-sustaining treatment authority, property details, and existing legal orders

Clarified evaluation procedures by adding requirements for independent evaluations when no established physician relationship exists

Updated medical evaluation report requirements to include specific diagnostic information, functional assessments, medication details, and treatment recommendations

Added explicit rights for alleged incapacitated persons to attend hearings, cross-examine witnesses, and request closed hearings

Clarified guardian duties regarding self-reliance development, least restrictive settings, and coordination with conservators

Added provisions for cost allocation of independent evaluations when petition is denied

Floor votes · House Feb 20, 2025

How they voted

43–15

Passed · 2 other

Total votes 60

Feb 20, 2025

D Democratic27

26 Yea 1

96% Yea

R Republican33

17 Yea 15 Nay 1

51% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 1, 2025

Upper · Passed

upper

Mar 26, 2025

Upper · Passed

upper

Feb 20, 2025

Lower · Passed

PASSED

lower

Feb 12, 2025

Lower · Passed

lower

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor