[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6370236,"mediaKeyId","2151915-37afe91b032026458065b9b9453f9285","parentId",2151915,"title","Committee advances school‑safety fund bill that allows schools to reimburse staff training and, if adopted locally, permit trained employees to carry","audioSeconds",2507,"startMs",2751000,"endMs",5258000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2151915-37afe91b032026458065b9b9453f9285&start=2751&end=5258","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2151915-37afe91b032026458065b9b9453f9285/thumbnail_2751000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6370236/Arizona/Committee-advances-schoolsafety-fund-bill-that-allows-schools-to-reimburse-staff-training-and-if-adopted-locally-permit-trained-employees-to-carry","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6370236-6f41e1deca631d790d1135c643a974b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775356859&Signature=EVPKP3ngC5NaEE5zrsv4~wJXWedI-8rj6m~gskOKjx5z3xEvbg-8UJb~HeyJ76O6LB4pxkpoAZvnMyu-7nYxZMuqGWFIRSr6GW2fcNKEAyT1D~0zG4FL2vuRgw4WnuG0hCwE50JcAWl6F6s9LXicOibFuqKsOrlWVA7jGfvOmiSAD8lWdua5ALcXhOqo8dWoyRejo37Wr1PDLShAUg-xH0txInPCWYaGve9VC3TB3I42UgRppSTdg55v85nuGrU-hvmKPsseznFc-B3CuqoBWFtxnuMqnDlHvo1nBvfMPlHfkrj8bdSjJ7DXWMuZnh05D4YVjty2ywOBUgIL8c6RcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Arizona State Legislature","date","2025-01-22T00:00:00Z","article","The Arizona House Judiciary Committee voted to return House Bill 2022 with a due-pass recommendation after extended discussion about training, medical response and whether school employees should be permitted to carry firearms if local districts adopt policies.

Representative Selena Bliss, sponsor of HB 2022, said the bill creates a Save Our Children's School Safety Program and fund within the Arizona Department of Education to reimburse eligible public and private schools, and individual staff members, for training, emergency‑preparedness equipment, and crisis-response programs. The program would also allow an eligible school, if it adopts specified policies and notifies local law enforcement, to authorize employees who meet certification standards to possess firearms on school grounds.

Proponents described the bill as focused on a range of safety measures: tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) medical training, de‑escalation training and other lifesaving equipment and training that can be used immediately before emergency medical services arrive. Michael Infanzen of the Arizona Citizens Defense League told the committee the bill “is not a firearms bill” but a safety‑funding bill designed to set training standards and reimburse costs for range, scenario and medical training.

Committee members pressed sponsors and witnesses on details: what the certification and retraining intervals would be, how background checks would be handled, whether the bill duplicates existing protections, and how the proposal interacts with shortages of law‑enforcement personnel and school‑resource officers (SROs) in rural districts. Witnesses and backers said the proposal would establish higher standards than a basic CCW permitting course, require yearly retraining and background checks for certified staff, and that some rural districts favor local options because SRO coverage can be limited by manpower.

Opponents, and some committee members, said arming school staff raises concerns about identification during active incidents and the risk of adding firearms into crowded lower‑grade classrooms. Several members said they prefer expanding access to SROs but recognized staffing shortages in many counties. After further discussion, the committee reported the bill 6‑3.

Why it matters: The measure would create a funding mechanism and certification standards that school districts and staff could use to enhance preparedness and potential armed response at local discretion. Supporters stressed training, medical preparedness and local control; critics warned that introducing trained firearms into schools carries risks and that the state should focus on SRO staffing.

Votes at a glance: HB 2022 — due pass recommendation; tally announced by chair: yes 6, no 3.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","01/22/2025 - House Judiciary","oneSentenceSummary","The Arizona House Judiciary Committee voted to return House Bill 2022 with a due-pass recommendation after extended debate on training standards, medical response and whether locally authorized staff should be permitted to carry firearms.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature Arizona, Arizona","taxId",78572,"location","Arizona","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6370241,"Committee adopts amendment and advances bill creating new felony category for observing minor for sexual gratification",1550,1172000,2722000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2151915-37afe91b032026458065b9b9453f9285&start=1172&end=2722","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2151915-37afe91b032026458065b9b9453f9285/thumbnail_1172000.jpg","/articles/6370241/Arizona/Committee-adopts-amendment-and-advances-bill-creating-new-felony-category-for-observing-minor-for-sexual-gratification","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6370241-93904a039feb751c1683e7f415a69ed4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775356859&Signature=ncMRNGAe2G6bQiIDxihLsoTX-09Gou7OtlSnRHEP9clkiejLZPA~~azh2-FDPtfytW7gIwQBJQok0mpBpnN9AiPoKeEn13IuWJY2YStbB1dxIPSxAQGtGuk34MKtfiONexg~0lGBT-3Q8lazEiYizc8PxyfwJGhYwS3e0iwi7yfe62bRuN0tHFyBi9h8VEgeWn3zuJwOyq~1wnTrL0r0Tx1clfGOUWmmJc-6~1e5LwiGcFqPkZBEls5qQvO9-W7r9XWgO5NnjyWWIW5q-0mdzihMQrI0oST3-xx~VcjjTShuJEdY9rfQZY7PM-wCjz0Z3~v6TUra0pZ-jRoBcK5uHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Arizona House Judiciary Committee returned House Bill 2115 with a due-pass recommendation after adopting an amendment that narrows who is covered and clarifies the statute’s scope.

Research staff told the committee that HB 2115 would add to the criminal statute a provision making it a felony to knowingly observe a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct for the person’s sexual gratification. The committee considered, and adopted, a two‑page amendment that specifies the provision does not apply to perpetrators under age 18.

Representative Colligan, who reintroduced the measure after it stalled in the Senate last year, said the change responds to a law‑enforcement identified gap in existing statutes. “One of the goals that I have in my life is to come down here and protect the vulnerable population, meaning children, from predators,” he said, and added that the amendment was designed to avoid criminalizing consensual adolescent relationships.

Rebecca Baker, legislative liaison for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, testified the bill closed an enforcement gap the office had encountered: current law prohibits photographing or possessing sexualized images of a naked minor, Baker said, but does not expressly prohibit a person who observes a naked minor live for the purpose of sexual gratification. She urged support.

Opponents, including a volunteer attorney with Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, said the bill risked duplicating existing offenses such as attempted sexual conduct with a minor, and could create problematic prosecutions that require proof of a defendant’s state of mind. AACJ argued concerns that ordinary parental photos or cases involving misrepresented ages on dating apps could be swept in absent careful drafting.

The committee adopted the sponsor’s amendment and reported the bill to the next stage by voice vote. The chair announced the tally as nine ayes and zero nays after floor members explained their votes; several members said they might seek further clarifying amendments on the floor, especially on age distinctions.

Why it matters: Supporters — including county attorneys and survivor advocates — said the bill fills an evidentiary gap prosecutors have identified and protects children from a form of grooming or exploitation that is not always covered by current statutes. Opponents warned of overbreadth and urged precise age-based drafting.

Votes at a glance: HB 2115 (as amended) — due pass recommendation; tally announced by chair: yes 9, no 0.","House Bill 2115, which criminalizes knowingly observing a minor for purposes of sexual gratification, passed the House Judiciary Committee as amended on a unanimous voice vote; sponsors and county attorneys said the change fills a gap prosecutors identified.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6370246,"Arizona committee narrows harassment statute to require intent, adds public-officials criticism defense",859,326000,1185000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2151915-37afe91b032026458065b9b9453f9285&start=326&end=1185","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2151915-37afe91b032026458065b9b9453f9285/thumbnail_326000.jpg","/articles/6370246/Arizona/Arizona-committee-narrows-harassment-statute-to-require-intent-adds-public-officials-criticism-defense","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6370246-64bc56baf9fc6f5fa1d792842253b3a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775356859&Signature=cc7XxYGujCbDlYfniyg7ZfQZQSSEm7Ionvptf-uY6EshIu8nGIvtqwoMsdBPqTvF~whgLBb3iRJirNuDNAU-zfX4ZxvpwXxl2CSiYXy73Mdk3-JQeqII6dSB3V51gNe7IA9HN8-P4Cyw3XEFxZpi7tYtCcZI-aj6KmfskSLQvp0PVZZZ0ufaU~voD03z8m9gnx~vbmIzq14Hhx1bWIEVGYPp0Fy7z7Nu2~8NNb1~YdjTnbZuCbQW30zULTMcoAvN6dHDm4Fb9u9Rk0JgNKoDLkGauTNcGw2TiBvSRIL1TAJeb8mcl4FYGZLSoThGptm-0XhdxVA6kGxRNctFaWVmTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Arizona House Committee on Judiciary voted to return House Bill 2043 with a due-pass recommendation after members debated language clarifying the state harassment statute and carving out a defense for criticism of public officials.

House Bill 2043, described to the committee by the research analyst Nathan McCray, would change the statutory standard for harassment from acting “in a manner that harasses” to acting “with intent to harass.” The bill also would create a defense to prosecution when the alleged conduct is criticism directed at a public official, according to McCray.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Alexander Collinan, told colleagues that adding an intent element would reduce vagueness in the statute and protect constitutionally protected speech. “We can’t have a law that is so broad as to prohibit people from very vociferously protesting,” Collinan said, arguing the change preserves free expression while targeting purposeful harassment.

Speakers in favor included Armando Nava of the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, who told the committee the bill “removes this vague language which opens so many people up to prosecution” and narrows exposure to prosecution to conduct done with intent. Marilyn Rodriguez of the American Civil Liberties Union also registered support, saying the revised language addressed ACLU concerns (she noted she would update the record if the RTS [request to speak] reflected opposition).

Opponents and skeptics urged caution. One committee member who identified concerns about protests at private residences said that demonstrating on a sidewalk outside a legislator’s home felt different than protected political speech and said he would vote no. Representative Collinan replied that residential picketing is addressed by a separate section of state law and that the bill was intended to avoid criminalizing ordinary political expression.

The committee adopted the measure on a 7-2 vote and returned HB 2043 with a due-pass recommendation. The bill will advance to the next committee step under that recommendation.

Votes at a glance: HB 2043 — due pass recommendation; tally reported by the chair: yes 7, no 2.

Why it matters: Supporters said the bill reduces criminal-law vagueness and avoids chilling political speech; opponents said the change could narrow tools for responding to conduct they consider harassment, including protests near private residences. The committee’s action keeps the bill moving while leaving some members vowing to press further changes on the floor or in subsequent committee work.","The Arizona House Judiciary Committee voted 7-2 to give House Bill 2043 a “due pass” recommendation after debate on whether the measure properly narrows a harassment statute and protects political speech directed at public officials.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6370232,"Committee advances bill allowing one‑time extension of reentry transition services for eligible inmates",0,5267000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2151915-37afe91b032026458065b9b9453f9285&start=5267&end=5267","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2151915-37afe91b032026458065b9b9453f9285/thumbnail_5267000.jpg","/articles/6370232/Arizona/Committee-advances-bill-allowing-onetime-extension-of-reentry-transition-services-for-eligible-inmates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6370232-422f6e0eb00dab9b7067d5d83f537125/orig.mp4?Expires=1775356859&Signature=UKTEsVh6srWDYlaH3cKngo9jdbihdGN3iW3phCDAaP6n~1uan3q6jNyRbN6YOkIJADckVP~wl8EnojLAE8ch9ZwZ92ITY4hkNYJVq4bA4NdXExq4EFk1Vt9ZgR4wqLwrtcKHZcEqlI8kq0eqdXOCYf0HcAG3A3rTqHfutxUDgXYDK97j4cgZpHiS7VGhrsf8wdkpzanQ~SMp-WUhJMaXLbn8pvSnIzgB~jwAkYU5Q~J6Nhjpk1skvhcdFrwpsNIZhBbkNsM8eFzQ~XzN95KmnDyUtYkjg7U7attEazsZOG-HNh0ZDrXgNXgZ5R6HwzCiNnauh1W7C~5BHRJ0aVxijw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Arizona House Judiciary Committee returned House Bill 2024 with a due-pass recommendation after brief testimony from the Arizona Department of Corrections and service providers about extending transition services for eligible inmates.

Representative Selena Bliss, sponsor of the bill who has run similar measures in prior sessions, said HB 2024 would allow inmates who meet eligibility requirements to receive a one-time extension of transition services — up to 90 additional days — to participate in reentry programs such as behavioral health treatment or substance-use disorder treatment as they prepare to leave custody.

Brianna Farmer, the chief legislative liaison for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, told the committee the department was neutral on the bill and thanked the sponsor for attention to the transition program. A provider, Jeff Taylor of SAGE Counseling, which operates reentry services, said the proposal responds to individuals who may need more time for housing, employment, or treatment and that the one-time extension could be shorter if a participant reaches stability sooner.

Supporters argued the extension would reduce recidivism by allowing participants additional time in structured programs when their needs are higher. Committee members asked about the potential for a backlog in placement slots; one member urged working with community providers to avoid limiting access. The department said it understood the concern and described the bill as addressing individual needs within the existing transition program.

The committee voted 8‑0 with one member absent to return HB 2024 with a due-pass recommendation.

Why it matters: Transition programs are tied to recidivism reduction; supporters said a modest, one‑time extension would let high‑needs participants complete stabilization steps without reentering the community prematurely. The department’s neutral stance leaves operational questions for later implementation discussions.","House Bill 2024 would permit a one‑time extension of up to 90 days for transitional services for eligible incarcerated individuals; the Arizona House Judiciary Committee gave the bill a due‑pass recommendation after neutral testimony from the Department of Corrections and support from transition‑service providers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee advances school‑safety fund bill that allows schools to reimburse staff training and, if adopted locally, permit trained employees to carry

Committee adopts amendment and advances bill creating new felony category for observing minor for sexual gratification

Arizona committee narrows harassment statute to require intent, adds public-officials criticism defense

Committee advances bill allowing one‑time extension of reentry transition services for eligible inmates