If enacted, this bill would update current statutes by introducing enhanced penalties for crimes committed by foreign agents and foreign terrorist organization agents. Specifically, it would elevate the classification of offenses such as stalking, threatening, harassment, assault, or aggravated assault by one class higher if the offender is acting on behalf of a foreign entity. Additionally, the bill would define "protected conduct" and make it unlawful for foreign agents to engage in law enforcement activities without federal or state approval, classifying such actions as a class 2 felony.

Moreover, the bill mandates the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) to create a Transnational Repression Recognition and Response Training Program for law enforcement officers. This program will focus on identifying transnational repression tactics, provide information on foreign governments that employ these tactics, and outline best practices for local law enforcement responses. The DPS is required to update the training program annually and collaborate with an experienced organization to develop the curriculum, ensuring that the training does not promote targeting individuals based on political or religious beliefs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-721, 41-1735