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.
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.
