If enacted, this bill would amend the current harassment statute in Arizona by narrowing the definition of harassment. Under the proposed changes, the language would shift from stating that a person commits harassment if they act "in a manner that harasses" to requiring that the person act "with the intent to harass another person." This change aims to clarify the intent behind the actions that constitute harassment, potentially making it more difficult to prosecute individuals under this statute.

Additionally, the bill introduces a defense to prosecution for acts directed towards public officials, asserting that such acts are not considered harassment if they are deemed criticism. The bill also makes technical and conforming changes to the existing statute, including modifying the classification of harassment offenses and updating the terminology used to describe the roles of investigators and peace officers involved in harassment cases. Overall, these updates are intended to refine the legal framework surrounding harassment and protect certain expressions directed at public officials.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-2921
House Engrossed Version: 13-2921