This bill seeks to modernize Arizona statutes by replacing the term "alien" with "noncitizen" throughout various sections, thereby promoting a more inclusive language. For example, the title of title 23, chapter 2, article 2 will change from "EMPLOYMENT OF UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS" to "EMPLOYMENT OF UNAUTHORIZED NONCITIZENS." The bill also clarifies definitions and eligibility criteria for noncitizens, particularly those who entered the U.S. before August 21, 1996, while maintaining existing provisions for those who entered after that date. Additionally, it streamlines the eligibility process for services and benefits, ensuring that noncitizens are treated consistently across different legal contexts.

Moreover, the bill introduces new provisions that outline the responsibilities of law enforcement regarding the immigration status of individuals, emphasizing non-discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. It also specifies that the attorney general or county attorney must verify the work authorization of alleged unauthorized noncitizens with federal authorities and adjusts penalties for employers found in violation of the law. Overall, these updates aim to create a clearer and more coherent legal framework for noncitizens in Arizona, enhancing accessibility and consistency in the application of the law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 4-202, 5-301, 8-102, 9-500.25, 11-269.08, 11-1051, 12-512, 12-2702, 13-1509, 13-2317, 13-2319, 13-2928, 13-2929, 13-3101, 14-2111, 15-973, 15-1803, 17-101, 23-211, 23-212, 23-212.01, 23-361.01, 23-603, 23-781, 23-901, 26-105, 28-3511, 32-1822, 32-1829, 34-301, 36-889, 36-2903.03, 36-2931, 36-2932, 36-2983, 38-231, 38-727, 41-906, 41-1080, 41-1462, 43-210, 46-292, 4-209, 41-1750, 92-544, 4-205.02, 4-213, 4-210, 8-103, 109-13, 41-1724, 31-233, 41-1604.07, 6-1220, 6-1242, 6-1241, 13-2001, 13-2301, 13-2314, 13-105, 13-2322, 36-540, 13-925, 13-3601, 15-825, 15-1022, 35-173, 15-1401, 15-802, 23-722.01, 23-617, 23-615, 41-1715, 23-1041, 35-192.01, 26-314, 17-214, 23-901.01, 23-901.09, 23-1105, 35-190, 35-146, 35-147, 28-1464, 28-693, 28-708, 13-2906, 4-244, 28-1382, 28-1383, 28-3514, 32-1861, 32-1826, 36-2901, 36-2907, 104-208, 104-193, 36-2934, 36-2936, 36-2950, 36-2939, 36-2940, 36-2944, 36-2946, 36-2934.01, 36-410, 36-2903.01, 36-2917, 36-2981, 15-1628, 15-1451, 38-804, 38-743, 38-744, 38-831