The proposed bill would amend the definition of "dangerous crime against children" (DCAC) in Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-705. Currently, the law defines DCAC as crimes committed against minors under the age of fifteen. The bill would expand this definition to include acts committed against individuals posing as minors, provided that the defendant knew or had reason to know that the purported minor was under fifteen years old. This change aims to address situations where offenders exploit online or deceptive scenarios involving minors.

Additionally, the bill would make several modifications to the sentencing provisions related to DCACs. It would remove certain classifications and conditions regarding sentencing for specific crimes, such as sexual abuse, when the victim is at least fifteen years old and the offender was in a position of trust. The bill also clarifies the presumptive sentences for various degrees of DCACs and ensures that individuals with multiple predicate felony convictions face life imprisonment without eligibility for parole until they have served a minimum of thirty-five years. Overall, these updates aim to strengthen the legal framework surrounding crimes against children and enhance penalties for offenders.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-705, 13-1404, 31-233, 41-1604.07, 13-1411, 13-701, 13-704, 13-707, 13-3623, 13-3206, 13-3212, 13-1428
Senate Engrossed Version: 13-705
Chaptered Version: 13-705