Criminal Justice

signed · Arizona · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 1669: sexual offenses; victim; evidence

SB 1669 restricts the use of a sexual assault victim's past sexual history as evidence in court, generally barring reputation or opinion evidence about their chastity. It allows limited exceptions only for evidence about the victim's past sexual conduct with the defendant, specific instances showing the source of physical evidence (like semen or pregnancy), evidence supporting a motive for false accusations, impeachment of the victim, or prior false allegations against others. Before any such evidence can be presented, a judge must hold a pretrial hearing and determine admissibility using the "clear and convincing evidence" standard. This law directly affects criminal trials for sexual offenses under Arizona statutes (including sections 13-1421, 13-3212, and chapter 35), aiming to limit prejudicial questioning of victims.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts use of victim's past sexual history in court, aligning with criminal justice reform to protect victims' rights and reduce trauma in sexual assault cases.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

signed · Arizona · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2941: motorcycles; reckless driving

HB 2941 amends Arizona law to classify operating a motorcycle in violation of specific traffic rules (sections 28-903 B/C) as reckless driving. This directly affects motorcycle riders who commit such violations, increasing penalties for repeat offenses within 24 months. For second or subsequent violations, the law mandates a minimum 20-day jail sentence before eligibility for probation and imposes a one-year license suspension, with a restricted license option available after 45 days of suspension. The bill also requires judges to order license surrender and report convictions to the state department.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory 20-day jail time and license suspension for motorcycle traffic violations, expanding criminalization and harsher sentencing without reform elements.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationIncreases penalties for motorcycle traffic violations to enhance road safety, directly strengthening transportation safety standards under vehicle regulations.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

vetoed · Arizona · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 4056: technical correction; double punishment

HB 4056 amends Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-116 to clarify that when an act violates multiple laws, sentences must run concurrently (served at the same time), not consecutively. It also states that a conviction or acquittal under one law bars prosecution for the same act under another law, aligning with constitutional protections against double jeopardy. This technical correction directly affects criminal defendants in Arizona who face charges under multiple statutes for the same conduct. The bill passed the Arizona House of Representatives on March 3, 2026, and was referred to the Senate.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies concurrent sentencing and double jeopardy protections, preventing multiple punishments for same act, strengthening defendant rights in criminal justice.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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vetoed · Arizona · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 2662: parenting time; expert testimony; qualifications

HB 2662 (Arizona) sets standards for expert testimony in parenting time cases where domestic violence or abuse is alleged. It requires courts to admit only testimony from experts with specific clinical experience supporting victims of domestic violence - not just forensic expertise - and limits evidence to scientifically validated methods. The bill prohibits the use of polygraphs, voice-stress analysis, or unproven psychological measures in these proceedings. This directly affects courts, experts testifying in custody disputes, and parents involved in cases with domestic violence allegations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill requires scientifically validated evidence in domestic violence cases, protecting victims and ensuring fair court proceedings within criminal justice context.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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vetoed · Arizona · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 1326: victims' rights; attorney fees; costs

SB 1326 strengthens victims' rights in Arizona criminal cases by allowing victims to directly enforce their constitutional rights in court without paying filing fees. It gives victims the right to hire their own lawyers (at their expense), recover damages from government entities that violate their rights, and receive court-ordered attorney fees from parties who breach those rights - including fees for free legal aid or pro bono attorneys. The law applies to all pending or new criminal cases after its effective date. This clarifies victims' standing to challenge rights violations and ensures their legal representation is included in relevant court proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens victims' rights in criminal cases by removing financial barriers, enabling victim representation, and allowing fee recovery - directly advancing victims' access to justice within the criminal justice system.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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vetoed · Arizona · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 1476: child neglect; prenatal substance exposure

SB 1476 modifies Arizona law to address child neglect cases involving prenatal substance exposure. It creates an affirmative defense for mothers who completed alcohol or drug treatment during pregnancy, preventing them from being charged with child neglect for that specific conduct. The bill specifies that child neglect related to untreated prenatal substance use remains a class 6 felony, but the defense applies if treatment was completed. This directly affects mothers facing neglect charges due to substance use during pregnancy who have accessed treatment services. The policy change shifts legal consequences for a defined subset of cases without altering general neglect definitions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates affirmative defense for mothers completing treatment, reducing criminal charges for prenatal substance use and prioritizing rehabilitation over prosecution, aligning with criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates legal incentive for prenatal substance treatment by removing neglect charges for mothers who completed care, encouraging healthcare access without restricting services.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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signed · Arizona · House Jun 13, 2026

HB 4158: criminal justice; 2026-2027

This Arizona bill creates a new transition program that allows eligible inmates to serve up to ninety days in the community before their full release. To qualify, inmates must meet specific criteria, such as having a minimum or medium custody classification, making satisfactory progress in prison programming, and agreeing to provide post-release information, while those convicted of sexual offenses or serious violent crimes are excluded. The program requires private or nonprofit providers to offer services like counseling, job placement, and family reunification, and it mandates that victims be notified and given a chance to object before an inmate can be released early. Additionally, the bill establishes a dedicated fund to cover program costs and requires the state department to submit annual reports on the number of participants, the types of services provided, and recidivism rates.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates a transition program to reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation through community-based reentry.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

signed · Arizona · Senate Jun 13, 2026

SB 1847: general appropriations act; 2026-2027.

SB 1847 is the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act for Arizona's Department of Corrections, allocating approximately $1.6 billion in state funding to support prisons, community corrections, and inmate healthcare. The bill establishes strict reporting requirements, mandating that the department submit monthly financial updates, annual staffing reports, and detailed bed capacity analyses to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. It also introduces specific financial controls, such as requiring legislative review before spending on certain inmate healthcare contracts and limiting private prison staff stipends to amounts equal to those paid to state employees. Additionally, the legislation directs that all earnings from specific land funds be used solely to support penal institutions and requires the department to prioritize filling in-state prison beds before using out-of-state provisional beds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $1.6B to state corrections and enforces strict financial reporting, directly advancing budget management and funding essential public services.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allocates $1.6B to Arizona DOC for prisons, corrections, and healthcare, strengthening the system.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

failed · Arizona · Senate Jun 11, 2026

SB 1512: vulnerable adults; theft; definitions

SB 1512 amends Arizona's theft statutes to specifically address property crimes involving vulnerable adults. It creates a new theft offense when someone in a position of trust (like a caregiver, family member, or fiduciary) takes a vulnerable adult's property with intent to deprive them, defined as an adult 18+ unable to protect themselves due to physical or mental impairment. Key provisions include requiring proof of trust-based control (not just general theft), listing defenses like prior gift patterns or court approval, and applying standard felony classifications based on property value. The bill directly affects vulnerable adults and those acting in trusted roles, clarifying when such actions constitute theft under Arizona law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates specific theft offense for vulnerable adults in trust relationships, strengthening legal protections within criminal justice system by targeting exploitation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed both · Arizona · House Jun 11, 2026

HB 2048: orders of protection; process servers

HB 2048 amends Arizona's order of protection procedures to clarify and streamline the process for victims of domestic violence. It allows minors, third parties acting on behalf of incapacitated individuals, and others to file petitions, requires courts to review petitions without a hearing if reasonable cause exists, and specifies that orders can include restrictions on contact, exclusive residence possession, firearm prohibitions, and animal custody. The bill eliminates filing and service fees, mandates courts provide information about local emergency and counseling services, and prohibits mutual orders of protection while requiring consolidation of opposing petitions. This directly affects domestic violence victims, alleged abusers, and courts handling these cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStreamlines victim access to protection orders, removes fees, aligns with victim rights in criminal justice system85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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