This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding a new section, 16-652, to the Arizona Revised Statutes, which would prohibit the Attorney General from prosecuting or bringing criminal charges against a member of a county board of supervisors based on their vote against the certification of an election canvass, provided that the vote is based on a good faith belief regarding unresolved issues affecting election integrity or on documentation suggesting potential irregularities. The bill clarifies that this prohibition does not prevent the Attorney General from investigating or prosecuting other unrelated election offenses.

Additionally, the bill defines "good faith belief" and specifies what constitutes "documentation or other evidence," including official reports and expert testimony. It also includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The new section is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-652
House Engrossed Version: 16-652