SB 1720 Arizona Senate · 57th Legislature - Second Regular Session

equal parenting time; best interests

SB 1720 establishes a legal presumption that equal parenting time is in a child's best interests when both parents are fit and live within 25 miles of the child's school or educational setting. Courts must now consider specific factors like domestic violence, substance abuse, parental mental health, and geographic location before denying equal time, and must provide detailed written reasons for any deviation. The bill also requires parenting plans to include standardized elements such as communication procedures, exchange logistics, and dispute resolution methods to ensure consistent child care. This law directly affects parents involved in Arizona custody disputes and child welfare courts, shifting focus toward cooperative parenting arrangements while maintaining child safety as the priority.

Bill status failed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 5, 2026 Last action Mar 25, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Version → Senate Engrossed Version (03/04/2026) · 5 edits · Mar 4, 2026

MODERATE

This bill fundamentally shifts Arizona family law by establishing a legal presumption that equal parenting time (at least 45% overnight visits for each parent) is in the child's best interest, provided both parents are fit and live within 25 miles of the child's school. It expands the required contents of parenting plans to include specific schedules, exchange procedures, and communication methods, while adding strict exceptions for cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, or young children. The changes aim to reduce conflict and ensure children maintain frequent, meaningful contact with both parents unless specific safety risks are proven.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of parenting time determinations by introducing a new statutory presumption favoring equal time and redefining 'equal parenting time' as a minimum threshold of 45% overnight visits. It also broadens the requirements for parenting plans to include detailed logistical procedures and communication protocols.

REQUIREMENT

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that equal parenting time (minimum 45% overnight visits per parent) is in the child's best interest if both parents are fit and reside within 25 miles of the child's school.

Mandates that parenting plans include a practical schedule, exchange procedures (including safe exchange locations), communication methods, and a process for resolving disputes.

ELIGIBILITY

Adds specific exceptions where the presumption of equal parenting time does not apply, including domestic violence, substance abuse, parents under court-ordered treatment, and children under six years old.

DEFINITION

Defines 'equal parenting time' as each parent receiving at least 45% of overnight visits annually, allowing for adjustments for holidays and school schedules.

MODIFIED

Clarifies that shared legal decision-making does not automatically result in equal parenting time, separating the concepts of decision-making authority and physical custody time.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Mar 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

PASSED

upper

Mar 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

DPA

upper

Feb 18, 2026

Upper · Passed

DPA

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors