ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Majority Research Staff

HB 2665: manslaughter; online advice; encouragement

Sponsor: Representative Carter P, LD 4

Committee on Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Overview

Expands the manslaughter classification to include a directed communication, made either verbally, in writing or electronically, that a minor uses to die by suicide.

History

In Arizona, manslaughter is classified as a Class 2 felony. If a person is convicted of a Class 2 felony without a previous felony conviction, the minimum presumptive sentence is 4 to 5 years of imprisonment. Contingent on any evidence or information introduced or submitted to the court, the court may decide to increase or decrease the maximum term of imprisonment to a mitigated 3 years or an aggravated 12.5 years. The mitigated or aggravated determination made by the court is based on the finding of at least two aggravating or mitigating factors from the evidence (A.R.S. §§ 13-701; 13-702).

Provisions

1. Expands the manslaughter classification to include a person who is at least 18 years old that intentionally provides a directed communication, in addition to providing advice or encouragement, that a minor uses to die by suicide with the knowledge that the minor intends to die by suicide. (Sec. 1)

2. Defines directed communication to mean:

a. any verbal, written or electronic communication, including through social media posts, text messaging or other online platforms, that is specifically addressed to or reasonably understood to be directed at the minor who dies by suicide;

b. includes an online post, message or other content that identifies, tags or is otherwise specifically directed at the minor who dies by suicide; and

c. does not include general public commentary, artistic expression or discussion of suicide or mental health that is not specifically directed at the minor who dies by suicide. (Sec. 1)

3. Cites the short title as Cade's Law: If you See Something Say Something. (Sec. 2)

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7. Initials NM/AI HB 2665

8. 2/4/2026 Page 0 Public Safety & Law Enforcement

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