HB 2649
Initials PAB/JH Page 1 Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-fifth Legislature
Second Regular Session
HB 2649: concurrent jurisdiction; Yuma proving ground
Sponsor: Representative Dunn, LD 13
Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Overview
Designates the Yuma Proving Ground as a land where the United States and Arizona have
concurrent criminal jurisdiction once the Governor grants such jurisdiction and a memorandum of
understanding with the appropriate county sheriffs has been signed.
History
The Yuma Proving Ground is a U.S. Army proving ground used for long range artillery testing and
is located in southwestern La Paz County and western Yuma County.
The Assimilative Crimes Act allows state laws to be enforceable on certain federal lands, such as
military bases and installations, provided these lands have concurrent jurisdiction. For example,
military police on a military base with concurrent jurisdiction can enforce both federal and state
laws within the bounds of the base (18 U.S.C. § 13).
Some federally administered lands within Arizona, such as the Grand Canyon National Park and
Hoover Dam, have concurrent criminal jurisdiction. To establish this jurisdiction, the federal
government must submit a request and an accompanying legal description and plat of the area
to the Governor. Upon the Governor's approval, Arizona can enter into a concurrent criminal
jurisdiction agreement with the federal government. However, there is an additional requirement
for the Barry M. Goldwater Range, which is administered by the Department of Defense.
Specifically, concurrent criminal jurisdiction required a signed memorandum of understanding
with the appropriate county sheriffs to clarify coordination matters and investigative agency
responsibilities on specific crimes (A.R.S. § 37-2649).
Provisions
1. Adds the Yuma Proving Ground to the list of lands in which concurrent criminal jurisdiction
exists between the United States and Arizona. (Sec. 1)
2. Specifies that concurrent criminal jurisdiction is only effective after a memorandum of
understanding has been completed with the appropriate county sheriffs. (Sec. 1)
3. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note