Arizona HB 2041: mental health; voluntary evaluations; payment

Bill Text

Chapter 0192 - 572R - H Ver of HB2041 

 House Engrossed

 child neglect; 
 financial resources; exception

 State of Arizona

 House of Representatives

 Fifty-seventh Legislature

 Second Regular Session

 2026

 CHAPTER 192

 HOUSE BILL 2041

AN 
ACT

amending 
section 8-201.01, Arizona Revised Statutes; relating to child neglect.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of 
the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Section 8-201.01, Arizona Revised 
Statutes, is amended to read:

START_STATUTE8-201.01. Prohibitions

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this 
chapter or chapter 4, articles 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of this title: 

1. A child who in good faith is being furnished 
Christian Science treatment by a duly accredited practitioner shall not, for 
that reason alone, be considered to be an abused, neglected or dependent child.

2. A child whose parent, guardian or custodian 
refuses to put the child on a psychiatric medication or questions the use of a 
psychiatric medication shall not be considered to be an abused, neglected or 
dependent child for that reason alone.

B. A parent may not be considered as having abused, 
neglected or abandoned or be charged with abuse, neglect 
or abandonment of a biological, foster or adoptive child solely for seeking 
inpatient treatment or an out-of-home placement if the child's 
behavioral health needs pose a risk to the safety and welfare of the family.

C. A parent may not be considered as having abused 
or neglected or be charged 
with abuse or neglect of a child solely for bringing into the home a 
biological, foster or adoptive child whose behavioral health needs pose a risk 
to the safety and welfare of the family. 

D. A parent, guardian or custodian 
may not be considered as having abused or neglected or be charged with abuse or 
neglect of a child solely based on the inability of the parent, guardian or 
custodian to provide the child with supervision, food, clothing, shelter or 
medical care if the inability is due solely to a lack of financial resources 
available to the parent, guardian or custodian. END_STATUTE

APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR JUNE 19, 2026.

FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 22, 2026.