Bill > HB2437

This bill creates new legal provisions targeting drug-related offenses within facilities that serve homeless individuals, establishing what are called "drug-free homeless service zones". Specifically, the bill makes it unlawful for individuals to sell or transfer dangerous or narcotic drugs in these zones, and prohibits employees of such facilities from knowingly allowing drug possession or use. Violations carry significant penalties: for selling or transferring drugs, the existing felony sentence can be increased by one year, and the offender becomes ineligible for sentence suspension or early release. Employees who violate facility drug policies can be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor. Additionally, convicted individuals must pay a substantial fine of at least $2,000 or three times the value of the drugs involved. The bill requires facilities serving homeless people to post visible signs identifying the area as a drug-free zone and adopt formal policies prohibiting drug possession and use. The law includes exceptions for individuals with valid prescriptions and defines key terms like "drug-free homeless service zone" and "homeless individual". The bill aims to create safer environments in facilities that provide services to people experiencing homelessness by implementing stricter drug-related regulations and enforcement.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82232