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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
manslaughter; online advice; encouragement
Purpose
Specifies that the manslaughter criminal classification applies to a person who is at least 18 years old and who intentionally provides advice or encouragement, through a directed communication, that a minor uses to die by suicide with the knowledge that the minor intends to die by suicide.
Background
A person commits manslaughter by: 1) recklessly causing the death
of another person;
2) committing second degree murder during a sudden quarrel or heat of passion
resulting from adequate provocation by the victim; 3) intentionally providing
the physical means another person uses to die by suicide with knowledge of the
person's intent; 4) committing second degree murder while being coerced by the
use or threatened use of unlawful deadly force; and 5) knowingly or recklessly
causing the death of an unborn child through physical injury to the mother (A.R.S.
§ 13-1103).
Manslaughter is classified as a class 2 felony and carries a presumptive term of imprisonment of 5 years and a maximum fine of $150,000 for a first-time felony offender (A.R.S. §§ 13-702 and 13-801).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Specifies that the manslaughter criminal classification applies to a person who is at least 18 years old and who intentionally provides advice or encouragement through directed communication that a minor uses to die by suicide with the knowledge that the minor intends to die by suicide.
2. Defines directed communication as 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 and:
a) includes an online post, message, or other content that identifies, tags or is otherwise specifically directed at the minor who dies by suicide; and
b) 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.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
JUD 1/22/26 W/D
PSLE 2/9/26 DPA 10-0-4-1
3rd Read 2/25/26 45-9-6
Prepared by Senate Research
March 16, 2026
ZD/MY/ci