HB 2114
Initials NM/DC Page 1 Caucus & COW
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature
First Regular Session
House: JUD DP 6-2-1-0
HB 2114: sexual conduct; minor; classification; sentence
Sponsor: Representative Nguyen, LD 1
Caucus & COW
Overview
Establishes that an individual is guilty of a class 4 felony if he is over the age of 20 and
engages in sexual conduct with a minor who is between 15-17 years old.
History
Sexual conduct with a minor who is at least 15 years of age is a class 6 felony if the defendant
is over 18 years of age (A.R.S. §§ 13-705; 13-1405). If the minor is under 15 years of age, it
would be considered a dangerous crime against children (DCAC), and sexual conduct with a
minor then would result in a class 2 felony. Statute specifies that a DCAC can be subject to
increased prison sentences and special provisions regarding the defendant's eligibility for
probation or early release (A.R.S. § 13-705).
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 certain offenses involving sexual conduct with a minor if
all of the following are met:
1) the victim is 15, 16 or 17 years old;
2) the defendant is under 19 years old or attending high school and no more than 24
months older than the victim; and
3) the conduct is consensual.
Provisions
1. Asserts that an individual is guilty of a class 4 felony if he is over the age of 20 and
engages in sexual conduct with a minor who is at least 15 years of age. (Sec. 1)
2. Applies a mandatory 1-year jail sentence to an individual with this charge, if he is placed
on probation. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note