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House passes 'Preston's Law' tightening penalties for organized group violence; emotional floor explanations recorded
Summary
House final passage of HB 2611, called Preston’s Law in floor remarks, drew emotional explanations from sponsors and opponents over whether the bill appropriately balances deterrence and impacts on young people.
The Arizona House gave final passage on May 6, 2025 to House Bill 2611, referred to on the floor as “Preston’s Law,” a measure supporters said strengthens penalties for violent crimes committed by groups.
Representative Gress, who explained his vote, framed the bill as a response to a fatal attack and named family advocates who helped shape the measure. “This bill bears the name of a young man, Preston Lord, whose life was tragically taken in an act of senseless violence,” Gress said. He credited Autumn Curiel and Melissa Ciconte for their advocacy and said the measure “strengthens penalties for those who commit violent crimes in groups” and “arms law enforcement with the investigative tools they need.” He concluded by urging his colleagues to vote yes and said, “With that, I vote aye.”
Representative Aguilar spoke in opposition, warning the bill could sweep in cases involving teenagers and have long‑term consequences for young people who act impulsively at school. “There are a lot of different instances that can happen... It could lead to a lot of different effects in young people's lives,” Aguilar said, and cast a no vote.
The clerk recorded the final tally as 35 ayes, 19 nays and 6 not voting. The transcript includes speakers who framed the bill as both a needed accountability measure and a policy that requires caution in application to minors; the full statutory text and sentencing details are not included in the floor excerpt.
