Arizona luring law improved
In June 2006, Phoenix City Councilman Greg Stanton visited the Arizona ICAC Task Force to learn more about investigations involving the luring of minors via the Internet. Members of the Task Force informed Councilman Stanton of a deficiency in the Arizona law that was resulting in Internet sexual predators receiving very light or no jail time.
Councilman Stanton began working diligently to improve the law. His fine efforts paid off on June 12, 2007 when Arizona's 48th State Legislature approved House bill 2342 providing increased sentencing under the State's Dangerous Crimes Against Children statute (ARS 13-604.01). Sponsors of the Bill included Arizona State Representative Burns J, Representative Alvarez, and Representative Hershberger et al.
Below is an excerpt from the Arizona State Legislature's web site describing the bill:
State of Arizona House of Representatives, HB 2342
HB 2342 expands the definition of a dangerous crime against children to include luring a minor for sexual exploitation.
History
A.R.S. § 13-604.01 contains a list of offenses that if committed against a person under 15 years old, constitute dangerous crimes against children (DCAC). DCAC offenses are subject to several sentencing enhancements and consist primarily of sex offenses. Luring a minor for sexual exploitation is not currently contained in the definition of a DCAC, but an enhanced sentence for the offense is provided in A.R.S. § 13-604.01.
Provisions
Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation* (The legislation) Expands the definition of a dangerous crime against children (DCAC) to include luring a minor for sexual exploitation.* Separates the existing penalty within the DCAC section for luring a minor into a separate section. Keeps the same presumptive ten year penalty, but specifies that if a person has a prior predicate felony, the person must be sentenced to a presumptive of 15 years. * Makes technical and conforming changes.
Please take a moment to thank Councilman Stanton by sending him a short “thank-you” at his City of Phoenix email address: greg.stanton@phoenix.gov
Read the full text of the legislation at the Arizona Legislature's web site:
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/48leg/1r/summary/h.hb2342_06-12-07_astransmittedtogovernor.doc.htm