This bill proposes to amend the current manslaughter statute in Arizona by explicitly including provisions that address the act of providing advice or encouragement to a minor that leads to suicide. Specifically, it clarifies that a person aged 18 or older can be charged with manslaughter if they intentionally provide such advice or encouragement through a "directed communication," which is defined as any communication that is specifically addressed to or reasonably understood to be directed at the minor. This addition aims to hold individuals accountable for their role in facilitating a minor's suicide.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a detailed definition of "directed communication," encompassing verbal, written, or electronic forms of communication, including social media and text messaging. It specifies that this term includes content that directly identifies or tags the minor but excludes general discussions about suicide or mental health that are not aimed at the individual. The bill also establishes a title for the act, "Cade's Law: If You See Something Say Something," emphasizing its intent to address the serious issue of suicide among minors.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-1103
House Engrossed Version: 13-1103
Chaptered Version: 13-1103