Criminal Justice

HB 2966 amends Arizona's probation statute to require a minimum $65 monthly fee for most probationers, with exceptions for those unable to pay. The fee funds adult probation services, collected by courts and deposited into a county probation fund. Crucially, the bill prohibits courts from ending probation early for individuals convicted of "dangerous crimes against children" (as defined in AZ Rev. Stat. § 13-705). It applies broadly to all probationers but includes a specific restriction for those convicted of severe child-related offenses. The changes clarify fee collection procedures and reinforce that early probation termination is not permitted for these cases.

HB 2205 amends Arizona law to increase penalties for damaging specific protected locations, directly affecting property owners and individuals who damage these sites. It classifies aggravated criminal damage when property is defaced, damaged, or tampered with at places of worship, schools, cemeteries, or utility/infrastructure sites (e.g., for metal theft), with penalties escalating based on damage amount ($1,500-$10,000+) and location type. For instance, damaging a school with $10,000+ in damage becomes a class 4 felony, while similar damage to utility infrastructure is a class 3 felony. The bill defines "damage" to include repair costs, lost services, and abatement expenses, making it a criminal offense with felony classifications.

HB 2020 defines and penalizes interference with or disruption of public educational institutions in Arizona. It requires public schools, colleges, and universities to adopt rules for maintaining order on their property, with penalties including ejection, suspension, or expulsion for students and staff who violate these rules. The law classifies threatening harm as a class 1 misdemeanor for minors or a class 6 felony for adults (18+), while entering school property to disrupt operations is a class 1 misdemeanor. Private educational institutions are exempt from these requirements, and the bill explicitly preserves approved gun safety programs on campuses.

HB 2063 allocates $1.5 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Corrections Oversight Fund, which supports the Independent Correctional Oversight Office. This funding is specifically designated for the office's operations under existing law (Title 41, Chapter 59 of Arizona Revised Statutes), enabling it to conduct oversight activities within the state prison system. The bill does not create new policies or change existing laws - it solely provides financial resources for an already established oversight body. The office, which monitors correctional facilities and conditions, will use these funds for its mandated oversight functions.

HB 2413 amends Arizona's sex offender registration law (ARS § 13-3821) to expand registration requirements for individuals convicted of specific sex offenses against minors. It directly affects people convicted of 22 listed offenses - including child sexual abuse, trafficking, and certain repeated indecency violations - who must register with local sheriffs within 10 days of conviction or 72 hours after entering Arizona. Key provisions require registrants to provide detailed personal information (including online identifiers, vehicle details, and child custody status), and extend registration obligations to those employed or enrolled in school in Arizona for more than 14 consecutive days. The bill does not address electronic monitoring; its focus is solely on broadening registration rules and data collection for sex offenders.