 |
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
residence of sex offenders; regulation
Purpose
Prohibits a person who is registered as a level two or three sex offender from residing in the same single-family dwelling as another registered sex offender, unless certain exceptions apply.
Background
A person who has been convicted of a dangerous crime against children (DCAC) and who is required to register as a sex offender is subject to certain residency restrictions. Such persons may not establish residence and reside within 1,000 feet of the real property on which the person's former victim resides, unless the person receives written consent from the victim or the victim's parent or guardian to establish such residence. Additionally, if the person is classified as a level three offender, the person may not reside within 1,000 feet of a private or public school or a child care facility, unless the person: 1) established residence prior to September 19, 2007, or prior to a new school or child care facility being located; 2) is a minor; 3) is currently serving a term of probation; 4) has had their civil rights restored; or 5) has not been convicted of a subsequent offense in the previous 10 years. A violation of sex offender residency restrictions is a class 1 misdemeanor, except that a second or subsequent violation of residing within 1,000 feet of a victim is a class 6 felony (A.R.S. § 13-3727).
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. Establishes that it is unlawful for a person who is required to register as a level two or three sex offender, and who was convicted on or after January 1, 2027, to reside in a single-family dwelling with another person who is required to register as a sex offender.
2. Specifies that this prohibition does not apply to:
a) persons who are legally related by blood, marriage or adoption;
b) community reentry centers that are operated by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, and operation commenced on or before January 1, 2026; and
c) certified behavior health residential facilities that are subject to oversight by the Department of Health Services, and operation commenced on or before January 1, 2026.
3. Applies the same single-family dwelling prohibitions and exemptions to persons who are required to register as a level two or three sex offender, who were convicted on or before December 31, 2026, and who are on probation or community supervision.
4. Makes conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
JUD 2/4/26 DP 6-3-0-0
3rd Read 2/26/26 35-17-8
Prepared by Senate Research
March 19, 2026
ZD/ci