2003 Neighborhood Legislation

New Laws

HB 2208 (Chapter 225, Laws 2003) Retaliatory Crimes states that if someone retaliates against a victim for reporting criminal activity or against someone who is involved in an organization to improve the community or prevent criminal activity, they can be punished under the aggravating circumstance sentencing law. HB 2208 was introduced by Representative Deb Gullett and was signed by the Governor on May 16, 2003.

HB 2482 (Chapter 199, Laws 2003) Victim’s Rights; Neighborhood Associations adds to the list of crimes for which neighborhood associations can invoke neighborhood victim’s rights. Presently, a neighborhood association representative can request to be considered a victim of the following crimes: “chop shops”, prostitution, or drugs. This proposal expands the list to also include graffiti and shooting at a residential structure. HB 2482 was introduced by Representative Linda Gray and was signed by the Governor on May 12, 2003.

Bills that Failed

SB 1188 State Liquor Board; Membership would have required that one of the current seven members of the Arizona State Liquor Board be an active law enforcement officer with experience in issues concerning businesses selling liquor. SB 1188 was introduced by Senator Ken Cheuvront and was never brought forward for a vote on the Senate floor by Senate President Ken Bennett.

HB 2332 Residency Restriction for Sex Offenders; Definition would have prohibited registered sex offenders on probation from living within a one-half mile radius of another registered sex-offender on probation. This legislation was intended to deal with the concerns of neighborhood residents and protect families from sex offender clustering. The bill, which was introduced by Representative John Nelson, was originally introduced as HB 2301 and had passed the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 7 - 4. However, due to the House Rules Attorney’s decision to declare the bill unconstitutional, staff modified the language to only deal with sex offenders on probation and establish several exemptions. HB 2332 carried the “strike-everything” amendment and was given a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee. After opposing testimony from the State Administrative Office of the Courts and negative comments against the bill from Senator Bill Brotherton, the Committee failed to adopt the “strike-everything” amendment, thus killing the bill.

HB 2363 Payday Loan; Deferred Presentment would have required that payday loan businesses provide all information – forms, signage, and credit counseling documentation – in English and Spanish, that presentment extensions be reduced from three to two times, and that consumer complaints be forwarded to the State Banking Department. This bill was introduced by Representative Ken Clark and failed 24 – 29 on a House Floor vote.

HB 2386 Dangerous Driving Behavior; Violation would have provided police with additional authority to effectively address the problems associated with cruising, which negatively impacts the quality of life of nearby neighborhoods and businesses. The bill made such activity a class one misdemeanor. HB 2386 was introduced by Representative John Nelson and failed by a vote of 0 – 6 in the Senate Natural Resources and Transportation Committee.

HB 2427 Liquor Containers; Local Ordinances would have allowed a city, town or county to enact certain limitations on the retail off-sale of alcoholic beverages in single-serving containers. This bill was introduced by Representative Clancy Jayne and never received a hearing. Representatives of the liquor industry expressed concern that local government should not be able to regulate liquor in any way whatsoever.

HB 2456 Childcare Centers; Liquor Stores would have extended the restriction that certain liquor licenses shall not be issued for premises within 300 horizontal feet of schools or churches to include child care centers and preschools. The bill was introduced by Representative Deb Gullet. HB 2356 was never granted a hearing by Representative Phil Hanson, Chairman of the Commerce Committee.

If you have questions about the legislation mentioned above or would like more information about how to get involved next legislative session, please call 602-256-4257.

Last modified on 04/11/2007 13:31:45