 |
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
sexual extortion; classification
Purpose
Classifies sexual extortion as a class 2 felony, rather than a class 3 felony, if the offender is at least 18 years old and knows or should have known that the victim is 15, 16 or 17 years old. Requires the sentence for sexual extortion in this circumstance to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
Background
A person commits sexual extortion by knowingly communicating a threat with the intent to coerce another person to: 1) engage in sexual contact or sexual intercourse; 2) allows the other person's genitals, anus or female breast to be photographed, filmed, videotaped or digitally recorded; or 3) exhibit the other person's genitals, anus or female breast. Communicating a threat is defined as threatening to: 1) damage another person's property; 2) harm another person's reputation; or 3) produce or distribute a photograph, film, videotape or digital recording that depicts the other person engaging in sexual contact or sexual intercourse or the exhibition of the other person's genitals, anus or female breast. Sexual extortion is a class 3 felony and is ineligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon or release from confinement on any basis except as specifically authorized. Sexual extortion is a class 2 felony and is punishable as a dangerous crime against children if the victim is under 15 years old (A.R.S. § 13-1428).
The Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and
Reentry may authorize the temporary removal of a prisoner from custody for
outlined reasons, including:
1) work release; 2) medical research; 3) compassionate leave; 4) preparatory
community reentry purposes; and 5) for disaster aid (A.R.S.
§ 31-233).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Classifies sexual extortion as a class 2 felony if:
a) the offender is at least 18 years old; and
b) knows or should have known that the victim is 15, 16 or 17 years old.
2. Requires the convicted person's sentence to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed for sexual extortion.
3. Specifies that the convicted person is not eligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon or release from confinement on any basis, except as specifically authorized.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
JUD 1/28/26 DP 8-0-1-0
3rd Read 2/23/26 57-0-3
Prepared by Senate Research
March 2, 2026
ZD/ci