House Bill 2650 makes changes to Arizona law with regards to divorce. Currently, a judge can require a 60-day waiting period if either spouse requests conciliation, HB 2650 would extend that waiting period to up to 120 days. However, the request for the extension must include a reason including a plan for counseling if one exists. Additionally, the proposal changes what will be included in required in a divorce education class. If HB 2650 becomes law, the education class must include the effect of divorce on adults. The classes also must include information regarding the effect on children as well as alternatives to divorce and the availability of resources to strengthen a marriage. The proposal has 24 sponsors including three from Pima County; Senator Al Melvin (R), Senator Frank Antenori (R), and Representative David Gowan (D).
On April 6, 2010 the full House failed HB 2650 on a 23-33 vote.
Pima County House Delegation Vote
- David Bradley (D) – No
- Olivia Cajero Bedford (D) – No
- Steve Farley (D) – No
- David Gown (R) – Yes
- Matt Heinz (D) – No
- Phil Lopes (D) – No
- Daniel Patterson (D) – No
- Ted Vogt (R) – No
- Vic Williams (R) – Yes
- Nancy Young Wright (D) - No
After the vote, the House approved a motion on a voice vote to reconsider HB 2650 on Thursday April 8, 2010.
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