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 Yes ✓ Supports 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 Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track

signed · Arizona · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 2226: processing arrestees; veteran status

HB 2226 requires courts to ask arrestees at their first court hearing if they are U.S. military veterans. If confirmed (via documents like a DD-214), prosecutors must inform veterans about veterans' services and refer them to veterans' courts or treatment programs - unless the person faces serious charges like violent crimes or crimes against children. The bill directly affects veterans arrested for non-serious offenses, creating a pathway to specialized support instead of standard criminal proceedings. It does not change existing criminal penalties but adds a procedural step for veterans' case processing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates diversion for veterans with non-serious offenses to treatment programs and veterans' courts, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRefers veterans to treatment programs, facilitating access to healthcare services like mental health support without restricting coverage or funding.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates courts to identify veterans and refer to specialized support programs, recognizing status and providing access to services instead of standard criminal proceedings.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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 Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track

signed · Arizona · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 1416: missing; kidnapped children; reporting requirements

SB 1416 requires Arizona law enforcement agencies to submit detailed information about missing or kidnapped children to state and national databases within two hours, including photos, physical descriptions, and last known locations. Agencies must also share this information with media and social media within 20-40 hours, update records within 30 days, and notify the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) for children in foster care. The bill mandates comprehensive training for officers handling such cases at hire and biannually, covering reporting protocols and coordination with child welfare systems. This procedural legislation directly affects all Arizona law enforcement agencies and their response protocols for missing children cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates faster law enforcement reporting for missing children cases, enhancing response coordination and data sharing within criminal justice system procedures.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

passed · Arizona · Senate Jun 13, 2026

SB 1752: mescaline; possession; sale; commercial use

SB 1752 prohibits harvesting, processing, or selling mescaline for commercial purposes or research in Arizona, with a specific exception for religious use integral to bona fide religious practices that don’t endanger public health or safety. It defines "commercial use" as any profit-seeking activity and limits "research" to medical or pharmaceutical applications. Violating the law is a class 4 felony offense. The bill does not affect personal possession or non-commercial religious use.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes commercial mescaline use with felony penalties, expanding criminalization rather than promoting reform or reducing penalties.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track

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 Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track

signed · Arizona · House Jun 4, 2026

HB 2594: family court; address confidentiality

HB 2594 amends Arizona law to protect domestic violence victims' addresses in family court proceedings. It requires courts to use substitute addresses provided by the state’s address confidentiality program (established under Section 41-162) for all filings, notices, and communications involving participants. The bill seals real residence addresses in court records, prohibits unauthorized disclosure (with penalties including class 1 misdemeanors or class 6 felonies for harassment-related breaches), and explicitly bars courts from using program participation as evidence of parental alienation or instability. This directly affects individuals enrolled in the program - victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, or stalking - who receive substitute addresses for safety.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects domestic violence victims' addresses in court records, enhancing victim safety and civil rights within criminal justice proceedings.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Arizona · House Jun 4, 2026

HB 2673: mental illness; prisoners; diagnosis; treatment.

HB 2673 requires Arizona county sheriffs and state correctional facilities to address mental health needs of incarcerated individuals. It mandates that prisoners showing symptoms of mental illness receive a licensed physician examination within 24 hours, ensures continuity of prescribed medications and treatments upon jail entry, and requires screening for prior mental illness diagnoses. For state facilities, it creates a process where prisoners displaying severe mental health symptoms may be transferred to specialized treatment facilities after a court hearing with appointed legal representation. The bill also requires quarterly condition reports from treatment facilities to correctional authorities and courts. This applies directly to prisoners in county jails (for misdemeanor cases) and state correctional facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates mental health assessments, treatment continuity, and screening for incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities, directly advancing rehabilitation-focused criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health assessments, treatment continuity, and screenings for incarcerated individuals, directly advancing mental health care access in correctional facilities.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Arizona · House Jun 4, 2026

HB 2557: candidate petitions; felony disclosure

HB 2557 amends Arizona law to allow individuals convicted of certain offenses to petition courts to seal their criminal records after meeting specific requirements. It directly affects people with felony or misdemeanor convictions who have completed sentences, paid all fines/restitution, and waited set periods (e.g., 10 years for serious felonies, 5 years for less serious ones). Key mechanisms include mandatory victim notification, court review for public safety, and restrictions on how sealed records may be used (e.g., still admissible in future criminal cases). The bill does not change eligibility for voting or candidacy, despite its misleading title, and focuses solely on record sealing procedures.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows sealing of criminal records for eligible individuals post-sentence, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism barriers - core criminal justice reform.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice