ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Majority Research Staff
	House: JUD DPA 6-3-0-0

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HB 2044: abandonment; concealment of body; classification

Sponsor: Representative Bliss, LD 1

Caucus & COW

Overview

Increases penalties for abandoning or concealing a dead human body if the offense is committed with the intent to conceal a crime or if the offender causes the death of the person.

History

Statute establishes that it is unlawful to knowingly move a dead human body or the parts of a dead human body with the intent to abandon or conceal it. Violation of this statute is a class 5 felony (A.R.S. § 13-2926).

Statute also outlines certain situations where this section does not apply, including the transportation or handling of dead remains in the organization and regulation of cemeteries, the processing and officiating of funerals and the keeping of vital records and public health statistics (A.R.S. § 13-2926).

Provisions

1. Enhances sentencing, for abandoning or concealing a dead human, to a class 3 felony if the offender:

a. mutilates, disfigures or dismembers a human body with the intent to conceal a crime or avoid apprehension; or

b. causes the death of a person before abandoning or concealing the human body or parts. (Sec. 1)

Amendments

Committee on Judiciary

1. Enhances the sentencing to a class 2 felony for the specified offenses.

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Initials NM/NP                      HB 2044

1/14/2026        Page 0 Caucus & COW

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