By Daniel Stefanski |
A Republican bill to expand protections for vulnerable Arizonans was signed into law.
Last week, Governor Katie Hobbs signed SB 1436, which was sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick.
According to the purpose statement from the chamber, SB 1436 will “add stalking, voyeurism and aggravated assault by way of strangulation or domestic violence to the list of felony offenses that qualify for lifetime injunctions.”
In a comment following the governor’s executive action, Senator Bolick said, “I’m proud to share that our fight to hold accountable criminals who commit sex crimes, particularly when they involve our children, is gaining momentum. My bill, SB 1436, was signed into law this week. It expands ‘Kayleigh’s Law’ to allow victims of stalking, strangulation in domestic violence, and voyeurism to obtain lifetime injunctions against their offenders. ‘Kayleigh’s Law’ took effect in 2022 and allows victims of dangerous crimes to obtain lifetime injunctions against their abusers.”
Kayleigh Kozak wrote on her “X” account, “Thank you Senator Bolick for sponsoring these important amendments to ‘Kayleigh’s Law’!”
Bolick added, “Kayleigh Kozak helped spearhead the measure and has been a strong supporter of other efforts to increase penalties for these crimes, including a ballot referral I sponsored to give voters the opportunity to decide if criminals who engage in child sex trafficking should face life in prison. It targets criminals who engage in child sex trafficking and should face life in prison. It targets offenders who are convicted of a class 2 felony and would block eligibility for any form of release. It officially passed out of the legislature this week and will be on the November ballot.”
SB 1436 passed the Arizona Senate on February 15 with a 26-0 vote (with four members not voting). The bill was given the green light from the Arizona House of Representatives on March 13 with a 51-8 vote (with one member not voting).
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
