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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
probation; dangerous crimes against children
Purpose
An emergency measure that prohibits the early termination or modification of a period of probation that is imposed on a defendant who is convicted of a dangerous crime against children (DCAC), unless the offense was committed when the defendant was under 18 years old.
Background
If a person who has been convicted of an offense is eligible for
probation, the court may suspend the imposition or execution of their sentence
and must, without delay, place the person on intensive probation supervision or
supervised or unsupervised probation on such terms and conditions as the law
requires and the court deems appropriate, including participation in any
community punishment programs. The court, on its own initiative or on
application of the probationer, may terminate the period of probation earlier
than the sentence originally imposed if the court determines that justice will
be served, the conduct of the probationer warrants it and the prosecuting
attorney and victim have been presented with the opportunity to be heard (A.R.S.
§ 13-901).
DCACs include various serious crimes and sexual offenses committed against a minor who is under 15 years old, including: 1) second degree murder; 2) aggravated assault; 3) sexual assault; 4) sexual conduct with a minor; 5) sexual abuse; 6) sex trafficking; and 7) luring and aggravated luring of a minor for sexual exploitation (A.R.S. § 13-705).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits the court from terminating the period of probation or intensive probation earlier than what was originally imposed if the defendant was convicted of a DCAC, unless the defendant was under 18 years old at the time of the offense.
2. Prohibits a probationer from receiving earned time credit or work time credit toward their period of probation if the probationer is serving probation for a DCAC, unless the defendant was under 18 years old at the time of the offense.
3. Applies restrictions on probation termination to persons currently serving a term of lifetime probation for a DCAC and persons placed on lifetime probation for a DCAC after the effective date of this act.
4. Makes technical changes.
5. Becomes effective on signature of the Governor, if the emergency clause is enacted.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 15, 2026
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