HB 2242
Initials JL Page 1 Conference Committee
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
Second Regular Session
House: JUD DPA 5-2-0-2 |3
rd
Read DPA 41-17-1-0-1
Senate: JUD DPA 4-3-0-0 | 3
rd
Read 19-8-3-0-0
HB 2242: sexual conduct; minor; classification; sentence
Sponsor: Representative Willoughby, LD 13
Conference Committee
Overview
Raises the sentencing classification for sexual conduct with a minor of at least 15 years of
age and makes changes to an existing statutory defense that is available in prosecutions for
the offense.
History
A person commits sexual conduct with a minor by intentionally or knowingly engaging in
sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person who is under 18 years of age.
Current law classifies sexual conduct with a minor of at least 15 years of age as a class 6
felony. If the sexual conduct occurred between a minor and an adult in a position of trust,
then the offense is classified as a class 2 felony. Sexual conduct with a minor under the age
of 15 is classified as a class 2 felony and is punishable as a dangerous crime against children
under A.R.S. § 13-705 (A.R.S. § 13-1405).
Under A.R.S. § 13-1407, subsection E (commonly referred to as the Romeo and Juliet Law),
it is a defense to a prosecution for sexual conduct with a minor if all of the following
circumstances are met:
1) the victim is between 15 and 17 years old;
2) the defendant is under 19 years old or attending high school and is no more than 24
months older than the victim; and
3) the conduct is consensual.
Provisions
1. Raises the sentencing classification for sexual conduct with a minor of at least 15 years
of age from class 6 felony to a class 4 felony. (Sec. 1)
2. Amends the Romeo and Juliet Law by removing the requirement that the defendant be
under 19 years old or attending high school and expanding the maximum age-difference
between the victim and the defendant from 24 months to 36 months. (Sec. 2)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note