Criminal Justice

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.

HB 2045 amends Arizona law to define "drive by shooting" as intentionally discharging a weapon from a motor vehicle (or the immediate area used to transport the shooter) at a person, occupied vehicle, or structure. It classifies this offense as a class 2 felony and requires judges to revoke the convicted person’s driver’s license for one to five years upon conviction, forwarding the order to the Department of Transportation. The bill also mandates forfeiture of vehicles used in the offense under existing chapter 39 procedures. These provisions directly affect individuals convicted of drive-by shootings, increasing penalties through license suspension and vehicle seizure.