Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

introduced · Arizona · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SB 1778: juvenile sentenced as adult; sentencing

SB 1778 changes Arizona's rules for trying juveniles (ages 14-17) as adults. It requires adult prosecution for juveniles accused of specific serious offenses like murder, forcible sexual assault, armed robbery, or violent felonies, especially if they have two prior felony convictions (defined as "chronic felony offenders"). The bill mandates that prosecutors file a special notice about chronic offender status, and courts must hold a hearing to verify this before proceeding. Crucially, it limits sentencing for juveniles tried as adults: judges cannot impose death, life without parole, or sentences totaling 25+ years ("de facto life").

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates adult prosecution for juveniles in serious offenses with prior felonies, increasing mandatory sentencing and moving away from rehabilitative juvenile justice toward punitive measures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole Sentencing

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introduced · Arizona · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SB 1802: juveniles; hearing; sentence reduction

SB 1802 allows courts to reduce prison sentences for individuals sentenced to over 25 years for crimes committed before age 18. It requires a hearing where courts must consider factors like the defendant's age at the crime, rehabilitation efforts (e.g., completing education programs), family trauma history, and diminished juvenile culpability. The bill creates a presumption of sentence reduction unless the court finds the person poses a public safety threat, and mandates written reasoning for any denial. It also requires courts to appoint attorneys for defendants at hearings and allows for community supervision upon release. The bill does not affect eligibility for other sentence relief options.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReduces mandatory long sentences for juvenile offenders by mandating rehabilitation and age considerations, aligning with reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole Sentencing

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vetoed · Arizona · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 2970: fraudulent schemes; artifices; jurisdiction

HB 2970 amends Arizona law to strengthen penalties for fraud by defining it as knowingly obtaining benefits through false claims, lies, or hiding key facts. It removes the requirement that prosecutors prove victims relied on the fraud and bars probation or early release for serious cases involving $100,000+ in fraud or opioid sales. The law also allows Arizona to prosecute fraud even if parts of the scheme occurred outside state borders. This directly affects individuals or entities committing fraud, with stricter sentencing for large-scale or opioid-related offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeStrengthens fraud penalties, removes victim reliance requirement, bars probation for serious cases ($100k+ fraud/opioids), aligning with 'increases mandatory sentences' indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Probation & Parole Sentencing

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failed · Arizona · Senate Feb 18, 2026

SB 1285: prisoners; correctional facilities; sentencing

SB 1285 modifies Arizona's sentencing laws for prisoners. It requires new prison sentences to run consecutively (one after another) if a person commits a felony offense while under correctional supervision (e.g., in state, private, or federal custody). For murder convictions, it clarifies that life sentences with "natural life" (no parole eligibility) apply in specific cases, and sets minimum service periods (25 or 35 years) before release for life sentences involving minors or vulnerable victims. The bill also adjusts sentencing procedures by requiring prosecutors to prove aggravating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt and defendants to prove mitigating circumstances by a preponderance of evidence.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRequires consecutive sentences for new felonies under supervision; sets longer minimums for life sentences involving vulnerable victims, increasing punitive sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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failed · Arizona · Senate Jun 12, 2026

SB 1170: narcotic drugs; sales; minor; sentencing

SB 1170 amends Arizona's drug sentencing laws to impose mandatory minimum prison terms for specific fentanyl offenses. It sets a 5- to 15-year minimum sentence for selling or possessing at least 200 grams of fentanyl (or 200 grams in a vehicle), increasing to 10- to 20 years for repeat offenders. The bill also creates a separate mandatory sentence for anyone convicted of selling fentanyl that causes a minor's death. These provisions directly affect individuals convicted of large-scale fentanyl sales or possession, removing probation eligibility and requiring minimum prison terms for these offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeImposes mandatory minimums for fentanyl offenses, increasing prison terms without rehabilitation focus, directly expanding criminalization and punitive sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Sentencing

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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

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Sentencing

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

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Sentencing

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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

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Sentencing

passed · Arizona · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 2495: sentencing enhancements; vulnerable adults

HB 2495 increases sentencing for felony convictions against vulnerable adults in Arizona. It directly affects individuals convicted of specific felonies (under Chapters 11-19, 21, 23 of Arizona law) who knew or should have known the victim was a vulnerable adult. Key provisions prohibit suspension of sentence, probation, or early release (except as specified), and add 3 years to class 4-6 felonies or 5 years to class 2-3 felonies. The bill mandates these sentence increases in addition to any existing enhancements. This changes sentencing outcomes for offenders convicted of such crimes, without altering the underlying offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory sentences (adds 3-5 years) and prohibits probation/early release for crimes against vulnerable adults, directly aligning with 'oppose' indicators of increasing sentences and reducing defendant rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

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signed · Arizona · House Jun 4, 2026

HB 2198: criminal records sealed; petty offense

HB 2198 allows individuals convicted of petty offenses in Arizona to immediately apply to seal their criminal records after completing all sentence terms, including fines. This changes prior rules by eliminating waiting periods for petty offenses (which previously required a 3-year wait for misdemeanors), while maintaining longer waiting periods (3-10 years) for other offenses like felonies. The bill requires payment of all fines and restitution before sealing, and mandates courts to inform defendants of this option at sentencing. It directly affects people with petty offense convictions who meet eligibility criteria, enabling them to clear these records without delay.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEliminates 3-year waiting period for sealing petty offense records, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism barriers per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Victims' Rights