The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend the sentencing provisions for second degree murder in Arizona. Under current law, a person convicted of second degree murder faces a presumptive sentence of 16 calendar years if they have no prior convictions for second degree murder or certain felonies. The bill would increase this presumptive sentence to 20 calendar years. For individuals with prior convictions of second degree murder or a class 2 or 3 felony involving a dangerous offense, the current presumptive sentence of 20 calendar years would be raised to 25 calendar years.

Additionally, the bill makes technical changes to the language of the statute, ensuring clarity in the sentencing guidelines. The overall effect of these changes would be to impose longer prison sentences for those convicted of second degree murder, thereby potentially increasing the operational costs for the Arizona Department of Corrections due to longer incarceration periods.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-710
Senate Engrossed Version: 13-710