Assigned to JUDE FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2559
justification; criminal offenses
Purpose
Specifies the justification afforded by statute regarding the threat or use of physical force
or deadly physical force is a defense in a prosecution for any criminal offense, rather than only
offenses listed in the criminal code.
Background
Statute outlines various circumstances under which the threat or use of physical force or
deadly physical force is justifiable including: 1) when required or authorized by law; 2) when a
reasonable person would believe that physical force is immediately necessary to protect himself
or a third person against another's use or attempted use of unlawful physical or deadly physical
force; 3) to prevent the commission of criminal trespass, theft, criminal damage or arson; and
4) conduct that would otherwise constitute a criminal offense, if a reasonable person would believe
that he was compelled to engage in the conduct by threat or use of physical force against his person
or the person of another which resulted or could result in serious physical injury which a reasonable
person in the situation would not have resisted.
Specified exceptions apply to the statutory justification of the threat or use of physical or
deadly physical force including if, in the justified threat or use of physical force, a person recklessly
injures or kills an innocent third person. A person who is justified in the threat or use of physical
force or deadly physical force is not subject to civil liability for engaging in the justified conduct.
The court must award reasonable attorney fees, costs, compensation for lost income and all
expenses incurred by a defendant in the defense of a civil action based on justified conduct if the
defendant prevails in the action (A.R.S. Title 13, Chapter 4).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Specifies the justification afforded by statute regarding the threat or use of physical force or
deadly physical force is a defense applicable to a prosecution for any criminal offense, rather
than only offenses listed in the criminal code.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date. FACT SHEET
H.B. 2559
Page 2
House Action
JUD 2/19/25 DP 9-0-0-0
3
rd
Read 2/27/25 55-2-3
Prepared by Senate Research
March 14, 2025
ZD/AW/ci