SB1608 introduces new provisions to Arizona's laws on human smuggling. The bill makes it unlawful to use a telephone or computer application or program to knowingly assist in the smuggling of human beings, classifying such an act as a class 2 felony. Additionally, it specifies that individuals convicted of this felony are ineligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon, or release from confinement on any basis, except under specific authorized circumstances, until the sentence is served, the person is eligible for earned release, or the sentence is commuted.

The bill also defines "smuggling of human beings" for the purposes of this section as the transportation, procurement of transportation, or use of property with the intent to both conceal a person from a peace officer and assist the person in fleeing from a peace officer who is attempting to lawfully arrest or detain the person. It exempts preparatory offenses from applying to the unlawful use of an electronic device to smuggle human beings. The bill does not apply Chapter 10 of Title 13 to violations of this new section.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-2319
Senate Engrossed Version: 13-2324
House Engrossed Version: 13-2324