by Jonathan Eberle | Mar 31, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
The Arizona House Judiciary Committee has advanced legislation to continue the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC), a key agency overseeing law enforcement funding, crime prevention, and criminal justice policy implementation in the state.
The bill, SB 1227, was sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick (R-LD2) and passed the committee after a “strike everything amendment” from Rep. Quang Nguyen (R-LD1). If encated, it would extend ACJC for two years while modifying its structure and operations.
The legislation, which passed the committee by a 7-1 vote, introduces several changes to ACJC’s governance: it expands the population size eligibility for police chiefs, county attorneys, and sheriffs serving on the commission; prohibits members from using a designee to represent them; adds an additional victim advocate member to the commission; requires ACJC to meet at least four times a year instead of once annually; and subjects ACJC to a sunset review by the Auditor General after two years.
The reforms are designed to ensure ACJC remains focused on its mission of supporting law enforcement, allocating federal grants, and coordinating crime prevention efforts across Arizona.
“This legislation sends a strong message that Republican lawmakers will continue to push for resources to protect the men and women in law enforcement,” said Senator Bolick. “I am thankful Rep. Nguyen, and I were able to work together on a plan that prevents ACJC from dissolving, ensuring our criminal justice system receives uninterrupted resources and support.”
The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission plays a central role in the state’s criminal justice system. It monitors the implementation of laws, conducts statistical analyses, and provides reports to state officials. Additionally, ACJC administers funding for various law enforcement initiatives and victim services programs.
The push to extend ACJC comes amid broader debates on criminal justice policy in Arizona. Supporters of the bill argue that the commission is critical in securing federal grants that benefit local law enforcement and victim support programs. They contend that reforms will strengthen ACJC’s oversight and ensure its operations remain effective.
With its passage in the House Judiciary Committee, the bill now moves to the full House for consideration before heading back to the Senate. If enacted, ACJC will continue its operations with the proposed modifications and remain under legislative scrutiny.
Senator Bolick and Representative Nguyen have emphasized that the bill reinforces Republican lawmakers’ commitment to law enforcement resources and public safety. “We would be doing a disservice to the selfless individuals who protect our communities if we allow ACJC to become obsolete,” Bolick stated.
As the Arizona Legislature continues to debate the future of criminal justice policy, the outcome of SB 1227 will determine whether ACJC remains a key player in law enforcement and public safety efforts across the state.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Mar 2, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
An Arizona legislator is seeking to defend the people of his state from being intimidated by foreign governments.
Last week, the Arizona House of Representatives approved HB 2374. The bill “strengthens penalties for crimes committed by foreign agents, prohibits unauthorized foreign law enforcement activities within the state, [and] directs the Arizona Department of Public Safety to develop a training program to help law enforcement identify and respond to transnational repression.” The bill was sponsored by State Representative Quang Nguyen.
In a statement accompanying the announcement of the bill’s progress, Representative Nguyen said, “I fled communist Vietnam as a child, so I know firsthand the devastating impact of government repression. No one in Arizona – no one in America – should have to live in fear of harassment, intimidation, or assault by foreign agents. This bill sends a clear message: we will not tolerate foreign governments trampling on our freedoms. House Republicans are committed to safeguarding individual rights, and HB 2374 ensures that our laws stand firm against those who seek to silence and threaten people on American soil.”
According to the press release by the Arizona House Republicans, the bill will “address a disturbing reality – foreign governments, particularly the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), have used intimidation and coercion to silence dissidents, students, and activists living in the U.S. In one of the most well-documented cases, Chinese secret police established illegal operations in New York City to monitor and harass expatriates. Arizona is not immune to this threat. HB 2374 ensures that law enforcement is equipped to recognize these crimes and take action to protect victims.”
The proposal, if enacted into law, would “strengthen public safety by increasing felony classifications for crimes such as stalking, harassment, assault, and threats when committed by foreign agents to coerce or retaliate against individuals for exercising their First Amendment rights. It also makes it a Class 2 felony for unauthorized foreign law enforcement to operate in Arizona without state or federal approval.”
HB 2374 was passed by the Arizona House with a 35-25 vote. It will now head to the Arizona Senate for consideration.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Feb 12, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A powerful Arizona legislator is working on a proposal to end a “get-out-of-jail-free card” for his colleagues.
Late last week, State Representative Quang Nguyen announced that he had introduced HCR 2053, which “would amend the Arizona Constitution to eliminate legislative immunity for Arizona lawmakers for all traffic violations.”
In a statement that accompanied the release, Nguyen said, “Elected officials should not have special privileges that allow them to break the law without accountability. The people we serve are expected to follow traffic laws, and legislators should be no different. If a lawmaker is caught speeding, running a red light, or committing any other traffic violation, they should face the same consequences as everyone else.”
Representative Nguyen added, “No one should be above the rules of the road. Lawmakers should follow the same laws they create and enforce. We are lawmakers, not lawbreakers.”
According to the press release from Nguyen’s office, “Under current law, Article IV, Part 2, Section 6 of the Arizona Constitution grants legislators immunity from arrest in all cases except treason, felony, and breaches of the peace while the Legislature is in session.”
If passed by the Arizona House and Senate, HCR 2053 would go directly to the November 2026 General Election ballot to be considered by the state’s voters, bypassing Governor Katie Hobbs. If a majority of voters were to give approval to this resolution, the Arizona Constitution would be amended to ensure that all state legislators were not able to avail themselves of this exemption.
The Vice Mayor for the City of Surprise, Jack Hastings, gave this proposal a hearty endorsement, writing, “Thank you Quang Nguyen! Nothing is more petty than an elected official using their office to try to get out of a speeding ticket.”
Nguyen’s release revealed that this resolution would “be considered by the House in the coming weeks.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Feb 6, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Two Arizona lawmakers are seeking to terminate a state commission at the end of this year.
State Representative Quang Nguyen, a Republican, recently posted a statement in support of one of the proposals this year at the Arizona Legislature, writing, “Government should work for the people – not against them. HB 2702 will cut red tape, eliminate waste, and prevent fraud & abuse. Taxpayers deserve accountability, efficiency, and results. Let’s make government work smarter.”
This bill seeks to terminate the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission on December 31, 2025. This commission was created by the state legislature in 1982 and charged to “monitor the progress and implementation of new and continuing criminal justice legislation, facilitat[e] research among criminal justice agencies and help the legislature make data driven criminal justice policy.”
However, the bill states that “the current operations and practices of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission have not aligned with and are contradictory to the legislative purposes underlying the legislature’s creation of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, jeopardizing the constitutional rights and civil liberties that every Arizonan deserves under the United States Constitution and Constitution of Arizona.”
Those operations and practices include, according to the legislation, “lobb[ying], using taxpayer money, for surveillance and data collection practices on citizens that have not committed any crimes… and lobb[ying] for the creation of a database targeting lawful concealed carry weapon permit holders.”
HB 2702 opines that “It is troubling that taxpayer dollars are being used for intrusive and ultra vires lobbying efforts. State resources cannot be diverted to lobbying activities that contradict both the legislature’s mission and the criminal justice system in Arizona. The misuse of state monies for lobbying activities burdens taxpayers and creates the potential for the expansion of government power that could further jeopardize individual liberties and freedoms. Such unchecked governmental oversight expands the power of the state and is a threat to freedom.”
The bill was sponsored by Representative Alexander Kolodin, also a Republican.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Jan 19, 2025 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Republicans were excited to return to work at the state legislature for another year.
Earlier this week, the Arizona Legislature restarted its engines for the beginning of the 57th Regular Session, commencing the third year of a divided state government between Republicans in the House of Representatives and Senate and Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs.
State Representative Quang Nguyen posted, “Getting ready for the opening day, AZ Legislature.”
Nguyen also said, “I look forward to this 2025 session as Chairman of Judiciary Committee. Nothing radical will survive my shredder.”
Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope added, “Happy Opening Day Arizona!”
Representative Rachel Jones shared the oath of office with a picture of her being sworn into the new term: “I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and defend them against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of House Representative according to the best of my ability, so help me God.”
Senator Janae Shamp was honored with the position of her chamber’s Majority Leader, becoming the third female in that role in the state’s storied history. The X account for the Arizona Senate Republicans wrote, “Today, Senator Shamp made history as only the third female Majority Leader of the Arizona Senate! At the Senate Opening Day Ceremony, Majority Leader Shamp had the distinct honor of introducing State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, formerly known as Senate Majority Leader Yee from 2017-2019. Majority Leader Shamp joins the ranks of Kimberly Yee and the legendary Sandra Day O’Connor as just one of three women to serve as the Arizona Senate Majority Leader in Arizona history. This achievement marks a significant step forward for women in political leadership positions, setting the stage by inspiring future generations of women in leadership.”
State Treasurer Kimberly Yee shared praise for Shamp, saying, “It was an honor to recognize Senator Shamp as the 3rd female Senate Majority Leader in Arizona’s history. As the 2nd female Senate Majority Leader, I was honored to congratulate Leader Shamp on this accomplishment and offer her words of wisdom as she begins this important role.”
Senator Shawnna Bolick posted, “Earlier today, I took my oath to uphold our state’s and US Constitution and laws governing us against foreign and domestic enemies. It is an honor to serve my second term in the State Senate representing District 2. Thank you to everyone who helped us retain this legislative seat.”
Representative Michael Carbone added, “Honored to be sworn in as Majority Leader in the State House this past Monday, along with these fellow State Representatives and Senator. We’re ready to get to work!”
State Representative Michele Peña wrote, “I’m privileged and honored to have been sworn in last Monday to represent LD 23 for two more years. Thank you to my constituents, friends and family for your support. I’m ready to continue working hard for you.”
Representative Justin Olson stated, “It was an honor to be sworn in to the 57th Arizona State Legislature today! I look forward to serving my constituents while working to protect and preserve the conservative principles of our country’s founding. We are so blessed to live in a land where freedom reigns!”
These Republicans – and the others in their caucuses – will be counted upon to hold the line against their Democrat counterparts and Governor Katie Hobbs in, what will certainly be, another contentious installment of an Arizona state government.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
