This bill proposes significant updates to current Arizona statutes regarding biological agents and toxins. It introduces new definitions and provisions related to "modified messenger ribonucleic acid injections or products," categorizing them as biological agents and weapons of mass destruction. The bill amends existing definitions of "biological agent," "toxin," "vector," and "weapon of mass destruction" to include these modified RNA products, while also removing some outdated language. Specifically, it clarifies that these products can lead to serious health risks and outlines their potential for causing harm, thereby enhancing the legal framework surrounding public health and safety.

Additionally, the bill establishes strict prohibitions against the manufacture, possession, or distribution of modified messenger RNA products, classifying violations as a class 2 felony. It mandates collaboration among state officials for enforcement and allows residents to seek legal remedies for non-enforcement. The intent is to treat the use of these products as acts of terrorism and unlawful use of infectious biological substances, thereby imposing severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment if such actions result in death. The act is designated as an emergency measure, taking effect immediately to ensure public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-2301, 13-2931, 13-2302, 13-2303, 13-2304, 13-2305, 13-2306, 13-2307, 13-1801, 13-2312, 13-3001, 13-3101, 36-1601, 38-502, 36-401, 30-672, 13-2313, 13-2314, 13-2315, 34-252, 44-1453, 13-3406, 5-107.01, 13-2316, 13-2316.01, 13-2316.02, 13-2001