The proposed bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section that officially designates drug cartels as terrorist organizations. It mandates the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to take all necessary actions to address the threats posed by these cartels. The bill also provides definitions for "drug cartel" and "threat," clarifying that a drug cartel is an association engaged in human smuggling, drug trafficking for profit, or acts of terrorism, while a threat is defined as any action that undermines individual rights or public safety.
This new legislation expands the current legal framework by explicitly categorizing drug cartels as terrorist entities and outlining the responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security in combating them. It introduces specific definitions that were not previously included in the law, thereby enhancing the state's ability to address the issues related to drug cartels and their impact on public safety and welfare.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 41-4256