ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

HB 2357: attorney general; voter fraud; subpoenas

Sponsor: Representative Kavanagh, LD 23

Committee on Government & Elections

Overview

Directs the Attorney General (AG) to conduct investigations and issue and enforce subpoenas in furtherance of investigations and activities of the voter fraud unit.

History

The AG serves as the chief legal officer of Arizona. The AG is mandated by the Arizona Constitution and elected to serve a four-year term. The AG may: 1) issue subpoenas to any person; 2) administer an oath or affirmation to any person; 3) conduct hearings in aid of any investigation or injury; and 4) prescribe and promulgate forms, procedural rules and regulations that may be necessary to enforce the law (A.R.S. § 44-1526).

Current statute outlines the penalties that apply to various election related violations by voters, election officers, election board workers or other persons (A.R.S. Title 16, Chapter 7). The provisions of statute that define crimes involving elections and crimes against the elective franchise and the related penalties apply to any general, primary, special election or any election called by a county board of supervisors (A.R.S. § 16-1001). The AG is authorized to enforce the laws related to elections through civil or criminal actions in any election for state office, members of the legislature or statewide initiative or referendum (A.R.S. § 16-1021).

Provisions

1. Requires the AG to conduct investigations and issue and enforce subpoenas in furtherance of investigations and activities of the voter fraud unit. (Sec. 1)

2. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

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6. HB 2357

7. Initials SJ/AG Page 0 Government & Elections

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