ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Majority Research Staff

Senate: PS DP 7-0-0-0 | Third Read 23-4-3-0-0

House: JUD DPA 6-1-1-1

SB 1448: aggravated assault; utility workers

Sponsor: Senator Shope, LD 16

Caucus & COW

Overview

Amends the aggravated assault statute to include if a person commits assault knowing the victim is a public utility worker, a licensed telecommunications provider or a licensed video service provider.

History

Under the current criminal code, a person commits assault by doing any of the following:

1) intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing any physical injury to another person;

2) intentionally placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury; or

3) knowingly touching another person with the intent to injure, insult or provoke such person (A.R.S. § 13-1203).

Additionally, aggravated assault is a separate offense that occurs when a person commits assault as defined above, but additional circumstances outlined in statute are met. These circumstances include, among others, the level of injury caused to the victim, the defendant's use of a deadly weapon, if the victim was physically bound or if the victim was a law enforcement officer, firefighter or prosecutor acting in his official duties. Aggravated assault can range from a class 2 felony to a class 6 felony depending on the nature of the offense (A.R.S. § 13-1204).

Provisions

1. Enhances an assault to aggravated assault if a person commits an assault knowing or having reason to know that the victim is engaged in official work duties and is a:

a. public utility worker;

b. licensed telecommunications provider; or

c. licensed video service provider. (Sec. 1, 2)

Amendments

1. Adds employees of utility companies to the list of professions covered under the aggravated assault statute.

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5. Initials NM/NP SB 1448

6. 3/11/2026 Page 0 Caucus & COW

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