Bill > SB1585

This bill amends Arizona law regarding dangerous crimes against children, significantly expanding and clarifying sentencing guidelines and definitions. The legislation strengthens penalties for individuals convicted of sexual and violent crimes against minors under fifteen years old, including extending sentencing provisions to scenarios involving individuals posing as minors. Key changes include mandatory life sentences for repeat offenders of dangerous crimes against children, specific sentencing ranges for different types of offenses (such as sexual assault, child sex trafficking, and continuous sexual abuse), and removal of potential sentencing leniency. The bill notably broadens the definition of "dangerous crime against children" to include situations involving fictitious minors if the defendant believed or had reason to know the purported victim was under fifteen. The legislation also specifies that sentences for most dangerous crimes against children must be served consecutively and imposes strict limitations on potential early release, parole, or sentence suspension. Importantly, the bill treats offenses against an unborn child similarly to offenses against a minor under twelve and establishes clear minimum, presumptive, and maximum prison terms for various categories of child-related criminal offenses.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83030