HB2559

Justification; criminal offenses

Chamber Passed·2/27/25

Arizona HB2559 amends the justification defense in criminal offenses by disallowing it when a person recklessly injures or kills an innocent third.

Arizona HB2559 modifies section 13-401 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to clarify that the justification defense is not available if a person, while justified in using force, recklessly injures or kills an innocent third party. This change ensures that reckless harm to bystanders cannot be justified under the law, while maintaining the defense for other situations as prescribed.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the House · 55–2 · Feb 27, 2025
Current
Judiciary and Elections Committee
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

55 Yea

DRDDDDDDDRRDRRDRRRRDRRDRRRRDDRDDDRRRDDRRDDRDRRDRDDDRRRR

2 Nay

RR

3 Not Voting

DRR

Calendar

Mar 19, 2025

1:30 PM

Senate Judiciary and Elections

Feb 24, 2025

8:00 AM

House Rules

History

Mar 10, 2025

Senate

Senate read second time

Mar 6, 2025

Senate

Introduced in Senate and read first time

Mar 6, 2025

Senate

Assigned to Senate JUDE Committee