The proposed bill, if enacted, would introduce a new section to Title 13 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically addressing "unlawful masking." Under this new provision, a person who wears a mask with the intent to conceal their identity at a public assembly would be committing a class 3 misdemeanor, with subsequent violations escalating to a class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also outlines specific defenses against prosecution, such as if the assembly occurs on private property or if permission to wear masks is granted by the property owner.

Additionally, the bill defines "mask" and clarifies what does not constitute a mask, including holiday costumes, theater costumes, religious coverings, and various safety or medical devices. This new language aims to enhance public order by regulating the use of masks in public gatherings while providing clear exceptions to avoid penalizing individuals for legitimate reasons for wearing face coverings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-2925