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

signed · Arizona · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 2131: trafficking weapons or explosives

HB 2131 amends Arizona's weapons misconduct law (ARS § 13-3102) to specifically criminalize trafficking weapons or explosives for financial gain to assist criminal street gangs, syndicates, or racketeering enterprises. This provision directly affects individuals who sell or transfer weapons/explosives with the intent to support such criminal organizations. The bill adds this trafficking offense as a new subsection (A.16) to the existing statute, which already covers other weapon-related misconduct like concealed carry or possession by prohibited persons. Key exemptions remain for lawful activities like museum collections, military use, or educational purposes. The law creates a distinct criminal penalty for trafficking tied to organized criminal enterprises, not general weapon possession or sales.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes weapon trafficking to gangs, expanding criminalization under criminal justice laws.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

signed · Arizona · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 1211: aggravated harassment; lifetime injunctions

SB 1211 requires Arizona courts to issue lifetime injunctions prohibiting contact between defendants convicted of specific serious felonies and their victims. It applies to offenses including violent felonies, certain domestic violence cases (per A.R.S. §13-2921.01), and other felony categories listed in the bill. The injunctions take effect immediately at sentencing, must be registered with crime databases, and remain valid for the defendant's lifetime unless the victim dies, the conviction is overturned, or the victim requests early termination. Victims can also petition for an injunction after sentencing without court fees. This law directly affects victims of qualifying violent or domestic violence felonies and their convicted offenders.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates lifetime injunctions for serious felonies, increasing punitive restrictions without reform elements. Expands criminalization by imposing mandatory, lifelong victim-contact bans.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

passed · Arizona · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 1584: appropriation; DOC; recruitment; retention

SB 1584 allocates $1,000,000 from Arizona's general fund for the state Department of Corrections (DOC) during fiscal year 2026-2027 specifically for recruitment and training programs. This funding directly supports the DOC in hiring and training correctional staff. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on budget allocation without altering policies or creating new requirements. It has advanced to the Senate for further consideration.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $1M from general fund for DOC recruitment, increasing public service funding without tax changes.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllocates $1M for DOC recruitment/training, directly funding correctional staff needs, aligning with support indicators of resource allocation for criminal justice operations.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · Arizona · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1240: probation success incentive payments; calculation

SB 1240 creates payments to Arizona counties based on reducing probation failures compared to historical rates. Counties earn funds equal to 50% of prison cost savings per probationer kept out of prison (excluding those convicted of dangerous crimes against children), while the state allocates 25% of savings for statewide recidivism programs. Funds must be used for evidence-based services like drug treatment, job training, and probation officer training - not to replace existing budgets. The state calculates annual probation success rates using 2007-2019 data to determine payments and requires reporting on program effectiveness.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds evidence-based rehab services (drug treatment, job training) to reduce recidivism and prison costs, directly advancing criminal justice reform through probation success incentives.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds drug treatment (mental health service) as evidence-based probation program component, advancing healthcare access within recidivism reduction.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · Arizona · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1239: sex offenders; statute of limitations

SB 1239 removes the statute of limitations for specific serious sex offenses and related crimes in Arizona, meaning prosecutors can file charges at any time, regardless of how long ago the offense occurred. This directly affects individuals accused of violent sexual assaults under Section 13-1423 or violations of Sections 13-2308.01, 13-2308.03, 13-3212, or 13-3824. The bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-107 to place these offenses in a category with no time limit for prosecution, while maintaining standard time limits (7 years for class 2-6 felonies, 1 year for misdemeanors) for other crimes. The change does not alter existing penalties but expands the window for prosecution of these specific offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves statute of limitations for serious sex offenses, enabling prosecution regardless of time elapsed, strengthening victim accountability and justice system effectiveness.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · Arizona · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SB 1234: juvenile court proceedings; appointment; attorney

SB 1234 requires courts in Arizona to appoint attorneys for children in specific juvenile court cases, including delinquency cases involving detention, dependency proceedings, and termination of parental rights. It mandates that attorneys be appointed before the first hearing in delinquency cases and ensures representation for indigent parents seeking counsel. The bill also requires courts to appoint a guardian ad litem (who must be an attorney) in abuse or neglect cases to protect the child’s best interests, and sets deadlines for attorneys to meet with juveniles before key hearings. Counties may fund these appointments, and public defenders may serve in certain cases with court authorization. This law directly affects juveniles, parents, and court staff by standardizing legal representation in critical child welfare and justice proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires court-appointed attorneys for minors in delinquency cases, ensuring due process and protecting youth rights per criminal justice reform principles.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · Arizona · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SB 1544: probation records; disclosure; exemptions

SB 1544 makes most probation records in Arizona public under state disclosure laws, but exempts sensitive information like victim details, minors' identities, medical records, active investigations, and confidential informants. Requesters can access records unless specific exemptions apply, and probation departments must redact or withhold protected data with a written explanation within 10 business days. Those denied records may appeal to court within 20 days, where penalties or attorney fees could be imposed for noncompliance. The bill covers documents including violation reports, risk assessments, case summaries, and audit reports.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMakes probation records public with exemptions, enhancing transparency and accountability in criminal justice reform while protecting sensitive information.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · Arizona · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SB 1550: appropriation; Queen Creek; law enforcement

SB 1550 allocates $1.255 million from the state general fund to fund a three-year pilot program for Queen Creek's police department. The program directly affects youth in Queen Creek by focusing on preventing runaway incidents, protecting at-risk youth from exploitation, and enhancing police investigations through collaboration with care providers and state agencies. It aims to create a model framework for statewide replication of effective youth safety strategies. The funding is exempt from standard appropriation rules that would otherwise cause it to lapse.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $1.255M from state general fund for youth safety program, directly funding a public service initiative through state appropriations.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllocates $1.255M for youth safety pilot focusing on prevention, at-risk youth protection, and police-care provider collaboration to reduce runaway incidents and exploitation, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · Arizona · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SB 1585: sex offenders; fund; assessment; subcommittee

SB 1585 requires courts to impose additional fees on individuals convicted of sex offenses in Arizona, ranging from $75 for class 3 misdemeanors to $2,000 for class 1 felonies. These fees, collected directly from offenders, will be deposited into a new Sex Offender Surcharge Fund established under state law. The fund will support state programs for evaluating and managing sex offenders, including treatment and monitoring services. This bill directly affects people convicted of sex offenses under Arizona law, mandating these fees as part of their court-ordered penalties.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesSB 1585 creates a new surcharge fund ($75-$2,000 fees) to directly fund sex offender management programs, increasing state revenue allocation for essential services.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds sex offender treatment/monitoring programs via surcharge fees, directly advancing rehabilitation and management services within criminal justice reform.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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