Senate Republicans Advance Bill to Crack Down on Illegitimate Testimony Admitted in Family Court
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 16, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Arizona Senate Republicans are advancing legislation aimed at cracking down on unqualified individuals providing so-called "expert" testimony in family court, a move critical to protecting children and restoring integrity to judicial proceedings. The measure passed the Senate with strong Republican support and now heads to the House for a final vote before being sent to the governor for signature.
HB 2662 responds to growing concerns about the role of so-called "experts" in family court—particularly in highly sensitive cases involving children and allegations of abuse. Under current law, courts must weigh a range of factors to determine the best interests of the child, including any history of domestic violence. However, not all expert testimony presented in these proceedings is held to consistent or rigorous standards. HB 2662 addresses this gap by requiring that expert witnesses demonstrate real clinical experience working with victims of domestic violence, rather than relying solely on forensic or court-appointed work. It also limits testimony to scientifically valid and widely accepted methods, while banning unreliable practices like polygraph tests and voice-stress analysis.
"This legislation is about restoring trust in a system where the stakes could not be higher," said amendment sponsor Senator Mark Finchem. "For too long, families have been subjected to questionable expert testimony from individuals whose qualifications are, at best, thin and, at worst, misleading. When courts are making decisions about a child's safety and future, there is no room for junk science or unproven theories. This bill ensures that only those with real-world, clinical experience treating victims of domestic violence can influence these outcomes, and that the evidence presented is grounded in sound, reliable principles."
"Parents deserve a fair process, and children deserve to be protected," said Representative Michele Peña, sponsor of HB 2662. "When a court is weighing allegations of domestic violence or abuse, the testimony needs to come from someone with real clinical experience helping victims, not from someone whose background is tied only to courtroom work. This bill sets a stronger standard so judges can rely on credible testimony when making decisions that affect a child's safety and a parent's rights."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus