victims' rights; attorney fees; costs
SB 1326 strengthens victims' rights in Arizona criminal cases by allowing victims to directly enforce their constitutional rights in court without paying filing fees. It gives victims the right to hire their own lawyers (at their expense), recover damages from government entities that violate their rights, and receive court-ordered attorney fees from parties who breach those rights - including fees for free legal aid or pro bono attorneys. The law applies to all pending or new criminal cases after its effective date. This clarifies victims' standing to challenge rights violations and ensures their legal representation is included in relevant court proceedings.
Bill status
vetoed
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Jun 2026
House Passage
Jun 2026
Vetoed
Jun 2026
Introduced Jan 26, 2026
Vetoed Jun 19, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
House Engrossed Version (06/11/2026)
→
Senate Engrossed Version (02/25/2026)
·
3 edits
·
Jun 12, 2026
MINOR
The bill was amended to remove the section establishing rights under Article 8-416, leaving only the provisions for Article 13-4437. A key substantive change was made to the fee-shifting provision, expanding the court's authority to order a party to pay attorney fees if they 'violate or exacerbate' a victim's right, rather than just 'intentionally, knowingly or with gross negligence' violating it. This lowers the burden of proof for victims seeking legal fees.
Scope change
The bill's scope was narrowed by removing the amendment to Section 8-416, so it now only amends Section 13-4437 regarding crime victims' rights.
SCOPE
Removed the amendment to Section 8-416, which previously established standing and rights for victims under that specific statute.
ENFORCEMENT
Changed the standard for awarding attorney fees from requiring 'intentional, knowing, or grossly negligent' violation to including any party who 'violates or exacerbates a violation' of a victim's right.
TECHNICAL
Adjusted the applicability section to reference only Section 13-4437 instead of both Sections 8-416 and 13-4437.
Floor votes · House Jun 11, 2026
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
17
Key actions
8
Committee
2
Amendments
1
Jun 19, 2026
Vetoed
Vetoed by Governor
executive
Jun 12, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED
upper
Jun 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
DPA
lower
Jun 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
PASSED
lower
Apr 16, 2026
Lower · Passed
DP
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
DP
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED
upper
Feb 25, 2026
Upper · Passed
DP
upper
Feb 4, 2026
Upper · Passed
DP
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Shawnna Bolick
RRepublican
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