domestic violence; definition; animal abuse

SB 1352 expands Arizona’s definition of domestic violence to include more relationship types, such as current or former romantic/sexual partners, and clarifies when law enforcement must arrest individuals for domestic violence offenses involving physical injury or weapons. It requires officers to temporarily seize firearms during domestic violence calls if they believe the firearm poses a risk of serious harm to victims or household members, with specific procedures for holding firearms for 72 hours and notifying victims. The bill also mandates that officers inform victims about available protections (like restraining orders) and establishes a court process for returning firearms after a hearing if the risk no longer exists. Importantly, this bill does not address animal abuse, despite the title suggesting it. The changes directly affect victims, defendants, and law enforcement officers responding to domestic violence incidents.