ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fourth Legislature

Second Regular Session

House: JUD DP 10-0-0-0


HB 2683: anti-semitism; crime reporting; aggravating factor

Sponsor:  Representative Hernandez A, LD 3

House Engrossed

Overview

Directs the Department of Public Safety to collect information regarding criminal offenses demonstrating evidence of anti-semitism prejudice and to use the anti-semitism definition adopted by the United States Department of State.

History

On May 26, 2016, the 31-member states of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), of which the United States is a member, adopted a non-legally binding working definition of anti-semitism. As a member of IHRA, the United States Department of State now uses this working definition and has encouraged other governments and international organizations to use it as well. (United States Department of State)

The working definition of anti-semitism used by the United States Department of State is as follows: anti-semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. (United States Department of State)

The Department of Public Safety is currently required to collect information on criminal offenses demonstrating evidence of prejudice based on race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or disability. Additionally, chief officers of criminal justice agencies and political subdivisions are required to collect and share information on these offenses with the Department of Public Safety. (A.R.S. § 41-1750)

Provisions

1.    ☐ Prop 105 (45 votes)	     ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes)      ☐ Emergency (40 votes)	☐ Fiscal NoteDirects the Department of Public Safety to collect information on criminal offenses demonstrating evidence of anti-semitism prejudice. (Sec. 1)

2.    Requires chief officers of criminal justice agencies or political subdivisions to provide to the Department of Public Safety information on criminal offenses demonstrating evidence of prejudice based on anti-semitism. (Sec. 1)

3.    States that the definition of anti-semitism includes the definition of anti-semitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016, and adopted by the United States Department of State, including the contemporary examples of anti-semitism identified in the adopted definition. (Sec. 1)

4.    States that the term anti-semitism does not include criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country. (Sec. 1)

5.    Makes conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

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9.    Initials LC              House Engrossed

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