Fiscal Note
BILL # HB 2680 TITLE: sentencing enhancements; vulnerable;
incapacitated; adult.
SPONSOR: Way STATUS: As Amended by House COW
PREPARED BY: Jordan Johnston
Description
The bill would increase prison sentences for adults who commit a felony offense against a victim that is a vulnerable
adult.
Estimated Impact
We estimate the bill would increase the Arizona Department of Corrections' (ADC) operating costs in the long run as
individuals convicted under the enhanced sentencing requirements spend more time in prison than currently required by
law. The impact could start as early as 6 months from the general effective date of the bill (the current minimum
applicable sentence for a felony crime). However, we are unable to determine the magnitude of this cost increase due to
insufficient data regarding the number of felony convictions involving a vulnerable adult.
Analysis
A.R.S. ยง 13-3623 defines vulnerable adults as individuals 18 years of age or older and who are unable to protect
themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation by others due to a mental or physical impairment. The bill would increase
the statutory prison sentence guidelines by 3 years for class 4, 5 or 6 felonies and by 5 years for class 2 or 3 felonies if the
crime was committed against a vulnerable adult. The bill would further make these convicted persons ineligible for
suspension of sentence, probation, pardon or release from confinement, barring outlined exceptions. For reference, the
minimum sentencing period for a class 6 felony is 6 months, which is the lowest minimum sentencing for a felony crime.
The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) does not track the number of felony crimes committed against vulnerable
adults.
Local Government Impact
None
2/25/25