Assigned to JUDE                                                                                                                   FOR COMMITTEE

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session

REVISED

FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2611

aggravated assault; accomplice; classification

Purpose

Classifies the act of committing assault against a single person when aided by two or more accomplices as aggravated assault.

Background

A person commits assault by: 1) intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing any physical injury to another person; 2) intentionally placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury; or 3) knowingly touching another person with the intent to injure, insult or provoke such person. Assault is a class 1, 2 or 3 misdemeanor depending on the circumstances of the offense (A.R.S. § 13-1203).

A person commits aggravated assault if a person commits assault and certain aggravating circumstances apply, including if the person causes serious physical injury to another or uses a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument in the commission of the offense. A person also commits aggravated assault if the person commits assault on a person knowing or having reason to know that the victim is: 1) a first responder; 2) a constable; 3) a teacher or other school employee as outlined; 4) a health care worker while engaged in official duties as outlined; 5) a prosecutor; 6) a code enforcement officer; 7) a park ranger; 8) a public defender; or 9) a judicial officer. The penalty for aggravated assault ranges from a class 2 felony to a class 6 felony depending on the circumstances of the offense (A.R.S. § 13-1204).

There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1. Classifies, as aggravated assault, the act of committing assault against a single person and being aided by two or more accomplices during the assault.

2. Classifies aggravated assault committed in this manner as a class 4 felony.

3. Makes conforming changes.

4. Cites this legislation as Preston's Law.

5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.

Revisions

· Adds a provision to specify the penalty for this form of aggravated assault.

House Action Senate Action

JUD                 1/29/25      DP       5-4-0-0               JUDE              3/26/25      DP              4-3-0                         

3^rd Read          3/3/25                    37-21-2               X^rd                   0/00/00                          0-0-0

Prepared by Senate Research

April 1, 2025

ZD/ci