This bill proposes significant updates to current Arizona statutes regarding crimes committed by agents of foreign governments or terrorist organizations. Under the new provisions, individuals convicted of stalking, threatening, or assault-related offenses will face enhanced sentencing if they are acting on behalf of a foreign entity. Specifically, the bill mandates that such individuals be sentenced to the next higher class of offense if they engage in coercive actions, such as forcing others to act on behalf of the foreign entity or restricting their protected conduct. Additionally, the bill introduces a classification for engaging in law enforcement activities without proper authorization when acting as an agent for a foreign government or terrorist organization, categorizing this as a class 2 felony.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to establish a Transnational Repression Recognition and Response Training Program for law enforcement officers. This program will provide specialized training on identifying tactics of transnational repression, understanding the governments involved, and best practices for prevention and response. The training curriculum will be developed in collaboration with an experienced organization and will be updated annually to address emerging threats. Importantly, the program will not include any training that promotes targeting individuals based on political or religious beliefs, ensuring a focus on lawful conduct and civil rights.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-721, 41-1735
House Engrossed Version: 13-721, 41-1735
Chaptered Version: 13-721, 41-1735