ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Majority Research Staff

House: JUD DP 5-4-0-0

☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☒ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note

HB 2966: dangerous crimes against children; probation.

Sponsor: Representative Diaz, LD 19

Caucus & COW

Overview

Prohibits the court from terminating or shortening the probationary period earlier than the originally imposed time of any person convicted of a dangerous crime against a child.

History

Statute outlines enhanced penalties for certain serious offenses if the victim of the offense is under a certain age, labeling these crimes as a dangerous crime against children. A dangerous crime against children is in the first degree if it is a completed offense and is in the second degree if it is a preparatory offense, except attempted first degree murder, which is a dangerous crime against children in the first degree (A.R.S. § 13-705).

Statute allows multiple avenues through which a person on probation may have his probationary period shortened or terminated early including:  

1)   a hearing before the court, if in the court's opinion, the ends of justice will be served by the reduction or termination;

2)   at an annual probation review hearing; or

3)   through either earned time credit or work time credit, as proscribed by law (A.R.S. §§ 13-901; 13-923; 13-924).

Provisions

1.   Prohibits the court from terminating or shortening the probationary period of any person convicted of a dangerous crime against children for any reason or at any time. (Sec. 1, 2, 3)

2.   Contains an applicability clause mandating that the act applies to all persons who:

a.   are currently serving a term of lifetime probation for a dangerous crime against children when the act takes effect; or

b.   are convicted of an offense that is considered a dangerous crime against children and is placed on lifetime probation on or after when this Act takes effect. (Sec 4)

3.   Contains an emergency clause. (Sec 5)

4.   Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1, 2, 3)

 

 

 

 

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Initials NM/NP                      HB 2966

2/11/2026        Page 0 Caucus & COW

 

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