ArizonaProposal would make harmful child neglect a class 6 felony
The proposed section would classify certain harmful neglect by people with custody of a child as a felony, while allowing a treatment defense for some mothers.
What it does
A person with custody of a child would commit child neglect under this section by harming the child through conduct covered by either referenced neglect definition. The section classifies that neglect as a class 6 felony; a mother who completed alcohol or drug treatment during pregnancy could raise a defense.
Argument forA mother who completed alcohol or drug treatment during pregnancy could use that completion as a defense to a charge under this section.
Argument againstCustodial people could face felony liability under this section for conduct that harms a child and meets either referenced neglect definition.
More detail
The proposed section would classify the described child neglect as a class 6 felony. It applies to a person with custody of a child whose conduct harms the child and involves neglect under either of two referenced definitions. A mother could raise an affirmative defense if she completed alcohol or drug treatment during her pregnancy.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 19Vetoed by Governor Katie HobbsLatest
- Jun 12Transmit to GovernorTo Governor
- Jun 11Transmit to Senate
- Vote recorded Passed. Result: pass.Lower
- Jun 11PASSEDPassed House
- Apr 15DPMinor
- Vote recorded do pass. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 30House Placed on Consent Calendar
- Mar 25DPMinor
- Mar 10House Second ReadingMinor
- Mar 9House First Reading.Minor
- Feb 27Transmit to House
- Feb 26PASSEDPassed Senate
- Vote recorded do pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 26DPMinor
- Feb 18DPMinor
- Feb 2Senate Second ReadingMinor
- Jan 29Senate First ReadingIntroduced
Criminal Justice