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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
drug cartels; terrorist organizations
Purpose
Subject to voter approval, statutorily declares that drug cartels are terrorist organizations and requires the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDHS) to do everything in its authority to address the threat posed by drug cartels.
Background
AZDHS is statutorily required to: 1) formulate policies, plans and programs to enhance the ability of Arizona to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism, cybersecurity threats and other critical hazards; 2) adhere to all federal grant terms and conditions; 3) request appropriations or grants of monies for homeland security purposes; 4) receive all awards granted to Arizona by the federal government for homeland security purposes; and 5) distribute monies to local jurisdictions and other organizations eligible under federal regulations based on criteria in the federal grant guidelines (A.R.S. ยง 41-4251 and 41-4254).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Declares that drug cartels are terrorist organizations.
2. Requires AZDHS to do everything in its authority to address the threat posed by drug cartels.
3. Specifies that nothing in this declaration supports an alien's claim for asylum under federal law.
4. Defines drug cartel to mean an ongoing formal or informal association of persons in which members or associates individually or collectively engage in any of the following:
a) human smuggling;
b) drug trafficking for profit;
c) any act of terrorism, including any completed or preparatory offense, that involves the use of a deadly weapon or a weapon of mass destruction or the intentional or knowing infliction of serious physical injury with the intent to:
i. influence the policy or affect the conduct of this state or any of the political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities of this state.
ii. cause substantial damage to or substantial interruption of public communications, communication service providers, public transportation, common carriers, public utilities, public establishments or other public services.
iii. intimidate or coerce a civilian population; or
iv. further the goals, desires, aims, public pronouncements, manifestos or political objectives of any terrorist organization.
5. Defines threat to mean anything designed to disturb, violate or cause harm to individual rights guaranteed under the Arizona Constitution and U.S. Constitution or to the public safety, health or general welfare of the people.
6. Contains a legislative findings clause.
7. Requires the SOS to submit the proposition to the voters at the next general election.
8. Becomes effective if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor.
House Action
JUD 2/19/25 DP 6-2-0-1
3rd Read 2/26/25 32-27-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 24, 2025
ZD/AW/ci