Criminal Justice (Domestic Violence)

introduced · Arizona · House Feb 10, 2026

HB 4006: defamation actions; sexual offenses

HB 4006, titled the "Right to Speak Your Truth Act," prohibits individuals accused of sexual misconduct, abuse, assault, harassment, or domestic violence from using defamation lawsuits to silence accusers or reporters. It specifically blocks defamation claims when the accused attempts to retaliate against someone who reported the incident or named the accused publicly. The bill allows defamation lawsuits only if the accuser's claim is factually impossible for the accused to have committed, the accuser was impeached in court over the same facts, the accuser made contradictory public statements, or the accuser publicly denied the incident occurred. This directly protects accusers, staff, and third parties reporting sexual offenses from being sued for speaking out.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents defamation lawsuits used to silence accusers of sexual offenses, aligning with criminal justice reform by protecting civil rights and enhancing victim reporting.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Violent Crime

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signed · Arizona · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2995: domestic relations; domestic violence

HB 2995 modifies Arizona's domestic relations law to prioritize child safety in custody cases involving domestic violence. It creates a rebuttable presumption against granting joint legal decision-making or parenting time to a parent found to have committed domestic violence, requiring courts to consider evidence like police reports, medical records, and shelter documentation. If a parent is found abusive, they must prove parenting time won't endanger the child, and courts can impose conditions such as supervised visits, mandatory counseling, or restrictions on overnight stays. The bill also mandates detailed court findings explaining how domestic violence considerations serve the child's best interests, with the presumption taking priority over other legal standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates rebuttable presumption against abusive parents in custody cases, prioritizing child safety and requiring courts to use evidence like police reports - enhancing accountability in domestic violence cases related to criminal justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Policing

signed · Arizona · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 1723: domestic violence; release conditions

Arizona's SB 1723 amends Arizona Revised Statutes sections 13-3602 and 13-3967 to strengthen domestic violence protection orders. It requires verified petitions (with no filing fees) and mandates courts to keep victims' contact information confidential. The bill adds a key provision: if a victim granted exclusive residence use under an order moves out, they must notify the court in writing within five days, triggering a notice to the defendant about their right to request a hearing. This directly affects domestic violence victims and alleged abusers by clarifying release conditions and residence rights.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens domestic violence protection by removing filing fees, ensuring victim confidentiality, and requiring court notification for residence changes - directly supports victim safety in criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

introduced · Arizona · House Feb 17, 2026

HB 4071: spousal maintenance; domestic violence

HB 4071 prohibits courts from granting spousal maintenance to a spouse who has been convicted of domestic violence against the "injured spouse" (the victim of the violence). It explicitly states that maintenance orders cannot be awarded when one spouse has a domestic violence conviction against the other, as defined in Arizona law. The bill amends spousal maintenance guidelines to clarify this restriction, ensuring courts cannot order financial support in cases involving domestic violence convictions. This directly affects individuals involved in divorce or legal separation proceedings where domestic violence convictions are present.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents financial support for domestic violence perpetrators, protecting victims and advancing accountability in criminal justice by aligning with reform principles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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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

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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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

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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introduced · Arizona · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 2967: custodial interference

HB 2967 amends Arizona's custodial interference law (ARS 13-1302) to clarify when parents or custodians may legally withhold a child without facing criminal penalties. It adds specific defenses for parents who act in good faith to protect children from immediate danger - such as abuse, domestic violence, or neglect - during court-ordered parenting time or after filing protection petitions. Violations are classified as misdemeanors or felonies (ranging from Class 1 to Class 6) based on the actor’s relationship to the child (e.g., parent vs. non-parent), intent, and whether the action was motivated by a reasonable safety concern. The law directly affects parents, custodians, and courts in custody disputes, emphasizing child safety while defining legal boundaries for withholding children.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds defenses for parents protecting children from abuse/neglect, preventing unnecessary criminal charges under custodial interference law, aligning with reform by reducing unjust prosecution.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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introduced · Arizona · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 1352: domestic violence; definition; animal abuse

SB 1352 expands Arizona’s definition of domestic violence to include more relationship types, such as current or former romantic/sexual partners, and clarifies when law enforcement must arrest individuals for domestic violence offenses involving physical injury or weapons. It requires officers to temporarily seize firearms during domestic violence calls if they believe the firearm poses a risk of serious harm to victims or household members, with specific procedures for holding firearms for 72 hours and notifying victims. The bill also mandates that officers inform victims about available protections (like restraining orders) and establishes a court process for returning firearms after a hearing if the risk no longer exists. Importantly, this bill does not address animal abuse, despite the title suggesting it. The changes directly affect victims, defendants, and law enforcement officers responding to domestic violence incidents.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands domestic violence definitions and mandates firearm seizures during calls to prevent harm, strengthening victim protections and law enforcement protocols within criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Firearms

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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

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

signed · Arizona · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 1275: mandatory prison sentences; judicial discretion

This bill allows judges to impose lighter prison sentences or probation instead of mandatory prison terms for certain defendants with mental health conditions linked to military service or first responder work. It requires judges to find that imposing the mandatory sentence would cause injustice, isn't needed for public safety, and the condition relates to the defendant's military or first responder role. The law excludes cases involving death, serious injury, domestic violence, or ongoing criminal activity. Judges must state their reasoning on the record when deviating from mandatory sentences.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill reduces mandatory sentences for veterans/emergency responders with service-linked mental health conditions, promoting judicial discretion and sentencing reform.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requires judicial consideration of mental health conditions linked to military/first responder roles in sentencing, promoting treatment alternatives over incarceration for mental health needs.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides judicial discretion to avoid mandatory prison terms for veterans with service-connected mental health conditions, preventing unjust punishment and protecting veterans' interests.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Sentencing Mental Health Veteran Mental Health