Arizona Senate Passes Bill to Strengthen Laws Against Child Sexual Predators

Arizona Senate Republicans have passed a bill designed to strengthen state laws against child sexual predators. Senate Bill 1585, sponsored by Majority Leader Janae Shamp, passed with near unanimous bipartisan support last week and is now awaiting consideration in the House.

SB 1585 amends the definition of a dangerous crime against children (DCAC) to specifically include acts committed against individuals posing as minors, if the defendant knew or had reason to know the person was under the age of 15. This change aims to ensure that those who intentionally target children, even in undercover situations, face severe legal consequences.

“This bill ensures these monsters, who knowingly and intentionally target someone they believe to be a child, are held accountable,” said Shamp. “The absence of a child does not lessen the severity of the crime being committed. The intent to exploit a child remains the same.”

The legislation is in response to concerns raised during a Senate Committee on Judiciary hearing, where Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller shared that two undercover sting operations conducted by the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the arrest of 20 adults luring children for sex acts. Some predators, however, could not be charged due to gaps in current law.

Shamp emphasized that SB 1585 would close those gaps, ensuring predators are fully prosecuted. “A perpetrator who knowingly and intentionally acts with the intent to exploit a child demonstrates a clear willingness to commit irreparable harm,” she said.

The bill now moves to the House for further consideration.