The proposed bill, if enacted, would modify the definition of harassment in Arizona law by changing the criteria from acting "in a manner that harasses" to acting "with the intent to harass another person." This change aims to narrow the scope of what constitutes harassment, making it necessary for the perpetrator to have the specific intent to harass. Additionally, the bill introduces a defense against prosecution for acts directed towards public officials if those acts are deemed to be criticism, thereby providing greater protection for individuals expressing dissent towards public officers.

Furthermore, the bill makes several technical adjustments, including the replacement of the term "professional investigator" with "private investigator" and the alteration of the language regarding the regulation of investigators and peace officers. It also clarifies that harassment under the newly defined criteria would remain classified as a class 1 misdemeanor, while harassment against public officers or employees would continue to be classified as a class 5 felony. Overall, these updates aim to refine the legal framework surrounding harassment and enhance protections for public discourse.

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