This bill proposes to amend Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section, 13-722, which establishes a sentencing enhancement for individuals convicted of offenses committed while wearing a mask intended to conceal their identity. Specifically, it mandates that such individuals be sentenced for the next higher class of offense than the one they are charged with, although this enhancement does not apply to Class 1 and Class 2 felonies. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the new sentence is supplementary to any other applicable enhanced sentences and does not limit the court's authority to impose other legally authorized sentences.

Furthermore, the bill allows for the possibility of waiving this sentencing enhancement if the court determines, based on clear and convincing evidence, that the mask was worn for religious reasons consistent with the defendant's sincerely held beliefs. The bill also defines "mask" as any covering that obscures or is worn over a person's nose or mouth. Overall, these changes aim to increase penalties for certain offenses while providing specific exemptions and definitions related to the use of masks.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-2925
House Engrossed Version: 13-722