Assigned to JUD AS PASSED BY COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1078
fraudulent voice recordings
Purpose
Classifies, as criminal impersonation subject to a class 5 felony, using a computer
generated voice recording, image or video of another person with intent to induce others into
thinking the medium is the real person, with intent to defraud or with knowledge that the medium
could cause reputational harm.
Background
A person commits criminal impersonation by: 1) assuming a false identity with the intent
to defraud another; 2) pretending to be a representative of some person or organization with the
intent to defraud; or 3) pretending to be, or assuming a false identity of, an employee or a
representative of some person or organization with the intent to induce another person to provide
or allow access to property. Criminal impersonation is classified as a class 6 felony (A.R.S.
§ 13-2006).
A class 6 felony carries a presumptive prison sentence of 1 year for first time offenders and
a fine of not more than $150,000. A class 5 felony carries presumptive prison sentence of 1.5 years
for first time offenders and a fine of not more than $150,000 (A.R.S. §§ 13-702 and 13-801).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits using a computer generated voice recording of another person with intent to induce
other persons into thinking that the voice recording is the live voice of that person, with intent
to defraud or with knowledge that the voice recording could cause reputational harm.
2. Prohibits using a computer generated image or video depicting another person with intent to
induce other persons into thinking that the image or video is an actual depiction of the
person, with intent to defraud or with knowledge that the voice recording could cause
reputational harm.
3. Classifies the illegal use of a computer generated voice recording, image or video as outlined
as a class 5 felony.
4. Makes technical changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date. FACT SHEET – Amended
S.B. 1078
Page 2
Amendments Adopted by Committee
• Modifies the elements necessary to commit criminal impersonation by way of using a computer
generated voice recording, image or video to impersonate a real person.
Senate Action
JUD 2/15/24 DPA 6-1-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 19, 2024
ZD/cs