HCR 2042
Initials JL Page 1 House Engrossed
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
Second Regular Session
House: JUD DP 5-3-0-1-0-0
HCR2042: sex trafficking; minors; natural life
Sponsor: Representative Bliss, LD 1
House Engrossed
Overview
Directs the Secretary of State to submit a proposition to the voters that would amend the
Arizona Constitution to require natural life imprisonment for an adult who is convicted of
sex trafficking of a minor child.
History
Under the current criminal code, child sex trafficking is a criminal offense generally relating
to child prostitution that can be committed in a number of different ways. Almost all forms
of this offense are classified as class 2 felonies, and many of them may include special
sentencing ranges or sentence enhancements depending on the type of offense or age of the
victim. The only form of child sex trafficking that is not a class 2 felony involves a defendant
who is at least 18 years old engaging in prostitution with a minor between 15 and 17 years
old whom the defendant did not know or have reason to know was a minor (A.R.S. § 13-3212).
Provisions
1. Adds a new provision to the Arizona Constitution that requires an adult who is convicted
of sex trafficking of a minor child to be sentenced to natural life imprisonment without
eligibility of any form of release.
2. For purposes of this new provision, defines sex trafficking of a minor child as knowingly
paying for sex with a minor, receiving payment for placing a minor in another person's
custody with intent to cause the minor to engage in sex with another person or providing
or obtaining a minor with intent to cause the minor to engage in sex with another person.
3. Authorizes the Legislature to implement this new provision as appropriate.
4. Requires the Secretary of State to submit the proposition to the voters at the next general
election.
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note