by Matthew Holloway | Mar 5, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona House Republicans announced the passage of legislation known as “Cade’s Law,” a measure aimed at making it a felony for adults to encourage minors to die by suicide through online communications.
The legislation, House Bill 2665, would amend Arizona’s manslaughter statute to include situations in which an adult knowingly provides advice, encouragement, or directed communication that a minor later uses to die by suicide. Under the bill, an adult who intentionally sends such communications with knowledge that the minor intends to die by suicide could be charged with manslaughter, a Class 2 felony under Arizona law.
The measure was introduced by State Representative Pamela Carter (R-LD4) and has been referred to as “Cade’s Law—If You See Something, Say Something.” According to House Republicans, the proposal seeks to address situations in which adults deliberately target minors online with messages encouraging self-harm or suicide.
HB 2665 expands existing law, which already classifies intentionally providing the physical means for another person to die by suicide as manslaughter. The proposed changes add provisions specifically covering online advice, encouragement, or communications directed at minors.
“Two years ago, I met with the mother of Cade Keller, a talented 16-year-old who loved welding and had just started at Mesa Community College,” Carter explained in a statement. “On March 12, 2022, Cade posted on Instagram that he planned to take his life and shared it with peers. No one called 911. Cade’s mom found him the next morning after he died by suicide. Arizona law already punishes providing the physical means, but it has left a gap when an adult uses targeted online messages to push a child toward suicide. Cade’s Law closes that gap. If you are 18 or older and you knowingly encourage a minor who intends to die by suicide, you should face serious criminal consequences. Kids in crisis need help immediately, not spectators and not online predators.”
Carter identified the bill as the companion to HB 2666, which, if enacted, would punish the sexual extortion of minors online.
The bill defines “directed communication” to include verbal, written, or electronic messages sent through platforms such as social media, text messaging, or other online services that are specifically addressed to or clearly directed at a minor.
The language specifies that general discussions about suicide or mental health, artistic expression, or public commentary not directed at a specific minor would not be included. If enacted, the law would apply to individuals aged 18 or older who intentionally provide such advice or encouragement to minors.
HB 2665 will now proceed to the Arizona State Senate for further consideration.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Oct 6, 2025 | Education, News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) announced on Thursday that it has entered a multi-year partnership with The Jed Foundation (JED) to expand the state’s training options for school mental health professionals. According to the ADE, JED is a resource that “protects emotional health and prevents suicide among teens and young adults nationwide.”
The ADE and JED shared that nearly 1 in 4 high school students in Arizona report seriously considering a suicide attempt every year, with 1 in 10 attempting.
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said in a press release, “Across student age groups, suicide is one of the leading causes of death. It is imperative that our mental health professionals are provided with the latest information to help recognize and the best practices to respond to the warning signs that may help families avert these devastating tragedies.”
The initiative with JED will provide school mental health professionals with “an evidence-informed suicide prevention training course,” according to the ADE. The initiative was designed based on Arizona’s policies, staffing structures, and cultural and educational contexts, the Jed Foundation stated.
“School-based mental health supports are critical to student well-being, stronger academic outcomes, and preparing young people for the workforce and future opportunities,” Dr. Tony Walker, senior vice president of school programs and consulting at JED, said in a statement. “We’re proud to partner with ADE and help to ensure Arizona’s school-based mental health professionals are prepared and confident to identify warning signs, act quickly in a crisis, and connect students to the right support so they can thrive in school and in life.”
According to JED, the two-hour training course, entitled “Suicide Prevention for Arizona School Mental Health Professionals,” will train attendees to:
- Identify signs of self-injury and crisis, including signs of suicidal thoughts or intense emotional distress.
- Understand the role of suicide risk screening in a comprehensive prevention approach and learn how to administer screening tools.
- Take action when a student is in crisis by engaging the support team, ensuring immediate safety, and documenting and following school protocols (or helping to establish protocols, when needed).
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by B. Hamilton | Mar 18, 2021 | News
By B. Hamilton |
A bill in honor of Adrio Romine, a 17-year-old who tragically took his life after an adult on the internet encouraged and advised him to do so, was signed by Governor Doug Ducey on Tuesday.
Shortly after Adrio’s death, his mother, Paolla Jordan, learned the individual gave her son specific instructions on how to end his life — but no law was broken at the time. Paolla pushed legislation to change that, resulting in the development of HB2459.
The Governor signed the bill in the presence of Paolla Jordan and the bill’s sponsor, Representative Jeff Weninger.
“Our hearts are with Paolla, her family and all Arizonans who have suffered the loss of a loved one to suicide,” said Weninger in a press release. “HB2459 penalizes individuals who encourage minors in a vulnerable state, and it will help protect young Arizonans and their families. I was honored to work on this legislation with Paolla and offer support to those facing difficulties with mental health.”
“I hope that no other parent has to go through what our family experienced,” said Paolla. “There are dangerous people out there that can prey on our children on the internet. Today there is a consequence for a predator’s actions. This law will help protect our children today. I was proud to work with Representative Weninger on getting HB2459 Laloboy Act through the finish line, and I am grateful to everyone working to protect children facing suicidal thoughts.”
