juveniles; change of judge; impartiality

The bill was redirected to amend a different chapter of the Arizona Revised Statutes (Chapter 4, Article 11 instead of Chapter 2, Article 3), changing which juvenile court hearings are covered by these provisions.

New detailed procedures were added for requesting a change of judge, including specific grounds for cause (such as prior counsel involvement, financial interest, family relationship, or material witness status) and a five-day filing deadline with supporting affidavit.

A new right was created for parties to request one change of judge without cause by filing a notice in open court or with the court clerk, provided the request is made within five days of judge assignment.

New restrictions were added requiring that if a change of judge is requested, the original judge may only make temporary orders necessary to prevent harm to the child until the matter is reassigned.

New definitions were added clarifying that 'judge' includes commissioners and judges pro tempore, and that 'presiding judge' includes their designees.

Specific timelines were established for filing motions (not less than five days after discovering grounds for cause) and for notices of change without cause (not less than five days after judge assignment, or ten days after remand assignment).

New waiver rules were added stating that parties who allow proceedings to continue after learning of grounds for a change of judge for cause will lose that right, and participation in contested proceedings waives the right to change without cause.