Arizona House bill by Rep. Fink mandates kinship placements in child safety cases

Passed bill authored by State Rep. Lisa Fink aims to prioritize placement of children with relatives or those with significant relationships when removed from their homes. Fink’s legislation seeks to ensure safety and suitability through timely evaluations and court reporting. The bill also intends to establish rights for children in foster and kinship care, including access to education, health care, and support services, according to the Arizona State House.

It passed both chambers as of May 6, clearing the House by a vote of 35-19 and the Senate by a vote of 27-0.

The bill, introduced as HB2671 on Jan. 21, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘DCS; kinship care placement; requirement’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill mandates the Arizona Department of Child Safety to prioritize kinship placements when a child is removed from their home, emphasizing placement with relatives, extended family members, or individuals with significant relationships with the child if they are deemed suitable and safe. The Department must conduct due diligence within 30 days of a child being taken into custody to identify such individuals, evaluate them for placement suitability, and file reports detailing these efforts with the court. It establishes requirements for kinship foster care applicants, including background checks, and sets provisions for financial and non-financial support for these caregivers. The bill outlines the rights of children in foster and kinship care, insisting they be placed in safe environments, informed about their circumstances, and have access to appropriate education, health care, and support services. Additionally, it stipulates procedures for hearings that affirm the child’s best interests in placement and visitation decisions.

In the House, four Democrats and 31 Republicans voted in favor while 19 Democrats opposed it.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 11 Democrats and 16 Republicans voted in favor, with no opposing votes.

Fink introduced the bill in the Arizona House on Jan. 21 during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature.

The bill was sponsored by Rachel Keshel (Republican-17th District).

Fink graduated from Brigham Young University in 1992.

Lisa Fink is currently serving in the Arizona State House, representing the state’s 27th House District. She replaced previous state representative Kevin Payne in 2025.

The bill was vetoed by Gov. Katie Hobbs on May 12.

In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.