Criminal Justice

vetoed · Arizona · House May 5, 2026

HB 4143: 2026-2027; criminal justice.

This bill requires the Arizona Department of Corrections to submit an annual report on prison bed capacity to the joint legislative budget committee by November 1 each year. The report must detail the number of available beds for different security levels and genders at both state facilities and private prisons, including data from the previous two years and projections for the current year. It also mandates explanations for why permanent beds are removed instead of temporary ones, along with plans for any future closures of 100 or more beds that must be reviewed before implementation. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates transparency in prison capacity and bed management, enhancing oversight and accountability within the corrections system.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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signed · Arizona · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 2665: manslaughter; online advice; encouragement

HB 2665 amends Arizona's manslaughter law to create a new offense: intentionally providing advice or encouragement to a minor about suicide, knowing the minor intends to die by suicide. This specifically targets adults who engage in direct online communications (like social media posts, texts, or tagged messages) aimed at a minor who is suicidal. The law defines "directed communication" to include specific online interactions with the minor, but excludes general public discussions about suicide. Violating this provision is classified as a class 2 felony.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense for online suicide encouragement, expanding criminalization of communications rather than advancing reform or protecting rights.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

signed · Arizona · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 2132: fentanyl; possession; sale; amount; sentencing

Arizona's HB 2132 increases penalties for fentanyl offenses. It sets a minimum 5-year prison sentence for selling or possessing fentanyl in amounts of 200 grams or more (with repeat offenses requiring 10+ years), replaces probation eligibility for these cases, and mandates a $2,000+ fine. Convicted individuals must also complete 360 hours of community service with substance abuse programs and undergo mandatory drug testing if on probation. The bill directly affects people convicted of fentanyl-related sales or possession above the threshold, aiming to strengthen sentencing for serious drug offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory sentences (5+ years), removes probation eligibility, and expands criminalization of fentanyl offenses - directly opposing reform indicators like reduced sentencing and defendant rights.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

signed · Arizona · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 1092: dangerous crimes against children; probation

SB 1092 prevents judges from shortening probation terms early for individuals convicted of "dangerous crimes against children" (as defined in Arizona law). The bill amends probation statutes to explicitly prohibit courts from terminating probation earlier than originally imposed for these specific offenses. This change directly affects defendants convicted under §13-705, courts handling their cases, and probation officers overseeing supervision. The policy ensures minimum probation periods for serious child-related crimes, maintaining consistent supervision without judicial discretion to reduce terms. It does not alter other probation requirements or fees.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticePrevents early probation termination for dangerous crimes against children, enforcing mandatory minimums and restricting judicial discretion in sentencing.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

passed · Arizona · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 2416: appropriation; DPS; local border support

HB 2416 appropriates $20 million from Arizona's state general fund for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in fiscal year 2026-2027 to support local border operations. It directly funds local law enforcement officer positions focused on stopping drug trafficking, human smuggling, and illegal immigration, provides grants to cities/towns/counties for prosecuting and detaining individuals charged with these border crimes, and covers capital equipment costs like vehicles. The bill’s key mechanism is redirecting state funds to enhance local border enforcement capabilities and support prosecution efforts. This funding affects border communities, local law enforcement agencies, and individuals facing charges related to border crimes. The bill does not change existing laws but allocates specific state resources for these purposes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $20M from state general fund to DPS for border operations, increasing budget allocation for public safety programs.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill appropriates $20M for DPS border enforcement, funding law enforcement positions targeting drug trafficking/human smuggling and prosecution grants, directly strengthening criminal justice enforcement operations.95% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationFunds local law enforcement to stop illegal immigration, prosecute, and detain individuals involved in border crimes, increasing state enforcement against immigration violations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · Arizona · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 2870: residence of sex offenders; regulation

Arizona's HB 2870 prohibits individuals convicted of "dangerous crimes against children" (classified as level 3 sex offenders under Arizona law) from living within 1,000 feet of schools (K-8 or 9-12), child care facilities, or their former victim's residence. Exceptions include those living there before a school opened, minors, people on probation, or those with written victim consent. Violations are punishable as a class 1 misdemeanor for first offenses and a class 6 felony for repeat offenses involving victims. The bill also prevents cities or counties from enacting stricter distance restrictions than the state law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization via residence restrictions for sex offenders, matching 'oppose' indicator of increased punitive measures.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · Arizona · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 2136: civil terrorism; disorderly conduct; subversion

HB 2136 is a definitional bill that amends Arizona law to clarify terms related to terrorism, extortion, and animal-related offenses. It explicitly defines "civil terrorism" as non-violent civil disobedience (e.g., protests) and excludes it from the legal definition of "terrorism," ensuring peaceful activities aren’t criminalized. Key provisions define "animal or ecological terrorism" as felony acts targeting animal facilities (like farms or research labs) involving property damage over $10,000, violence, or serious injury, and clarify terms like "extortionate credit" (threats of violence to collect debts). This bill directly affects operators of animal facilities, law enforcement, and legal proceedings involving these defined offenses, but does not create new crimes - only refines existing statutory language.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExcludes non-violent protests from 'terrorism' definition, protecting civil rights and preventing overcriminalization of peaceful activities per bill's core provision.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · Arizona · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 2671: chronic felony offenders; juveniles

HB 2671 changes Arizona's rules for prosecuting juveniles (ages 14-17) as adults, specifically targeting those with prior felony convictions. It requires prosecutors to file notice if a juvenile is a "chronic felony offender" (defined as having two prior felony convictions classified as serious offenses), triggering a court hearing to confirm this status. If confirmed, the juvenile faces adult criminal sentencing; if not, the case transfers to juvenile court. This directly affects juveniles with prior felony convictions who commit new serious offenses, shifting jurisdiction from juvenile to criminal court. The bill creates a clear process for determining chronic offender status before trial.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates adult sentencing for juveniles with two prior serious felony convictions, reducing rehabilitation options and increasing mandatory sentencing for repeat offenders.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · Arizona · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 2175: crimes; hostility towards victims; sentencing

Arizona's HB 2175 increases prison sentences for certain crimes committed "out of hostility toward a victim because of the victim's identity in a protected group" (as defined in state law). It applies to offenses like assault (Section 13-1203), criminal damage (Section 13-1602), and other felonies listed in the bill. If convicted under these circumstances, defendants face a 3- to 5-year sentence increase (depending on felony class) and cannot receive probation, suspended sentences, or early release until the full term is served. The law explicitly states it does not restrict constitutional free speech rights.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory prison sentences for hate crimes, removes probation/early release options, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of harsher penalties and reduced defendant rights.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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