I remain committed to advocating for 15–17-year-olds who are exploited through abuse and trafficking while those who purchase them frequently face minimal consequences. Arizona recognizes individuals under 18 as unable to legally consent to sexual activity, so we must ask why this vulnerable age group is treated inconsistently in policy and enforcement. They deserve equal protection under the law.​​​​​​​​​​
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2026, Arizona Legislation. Bills we are sponsoring and supporting
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HB2720 - This bill strengthens accountability for individuals who buy sex while directing funding toward anti-trafficking efforts. It requires anyone convicted of paying for sexual acts to pay a mandatory $200 assessment that goes into the state’s Anti-Human Trafficking Grant Fund, supporting victim services, law enforcement assistance, and prevention training. The law keeps prostitution illegal for both sellers and buyers but preserves a defense for individuals whose involvement resulted from being trafficked. It establishes escalating penalties, classifying buying sex as a felony with mandatory jail time and making clear that defendants cannot plead the charge down to a misdemeanor; they may be required to participate in a court-ordered diversion or education program, but participation does not reduce sentencing, and the full sentence must still be served. Overall, the measure emphasizes buyer accountability and reinvests penalties into efforts to reduce human trafficking.
HB2721 - This proposal serves as a corrective to Proposition 313, approved by Arizona voters, to ensure that trafficked individuals who were forced to traffic or exploit others can seek protection under the law. It protects sex trafficking victims from prosecution for offenses they committed as a direct result of their exploitation and allows individuals previously convicted of trafficking-related offenses to petition the court to vacate or modify those convictions if they can demonstrate they were victims acting under force, coercion, or fear. The measure applies regardless of age and broadly defines trafficking-related conduct, recognizing the role of exploitation in these offenses. Because it expands post-conviction relief, the provision requires approval by a three-fourths vote of the legislature to take effect.
HB2133 - This bill, known as the “Protect Act,” strengthens Arizona laws around nonconsensual sexual imagery and online sexual material by expanding protections against the sharing of intimate images and requiring accountability from internet platforms. It makes it illegal to intentionally share nude or sexual images of an identifiable person without consent — including AI-generated or digitally manipulated depictions — and increases penalties depending on how the material is distributed. The bill also requires commercial websites that publish sexual material to verify that every person depicted is an adult who gave informed consent, maintain records of that verification, and take steps to prevent non-consensual uploads. Violations can lead to significant civil penalties, lawsuits by victims, and enforcement actions by the Attorney General, especially when minors are involved. Overall, the measure aims to combat exploitation, revenge porn, and synthetic sexual imagery by strengthening consent verification and legal remedies for victims.
HB2666 - This bill updates Arizona’s sexual extortion law by clarifying the offense and strengthening penalties. It defines sexual extortion as knowingly threatening someone in order to coerce sexual activity, force them to create or share sexual images, or expose intimate body parts. The crime remains a serious felony, generally classified as a class 3 felony with mandatory prison time and no eligibility for probation or early release until the sentence is served. The penalties increase when minors are involved: if the victim is ages 15–17, the offense becomes a class 2 felony with consecutive sentencing requirements, and if the victim is under 15, it is also a class 2 felony subject to even stricter sentencing under dangerous crimes against children statutes. Overall, the measure reinforces accountability for coercive sextortion behavior and enhances protections for minors.
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​HB2322 - This bill strengthens Arizona child abuse and neglect investigation procedures by requiring enhanced training for Department of Child Safety investigators, reinforcing thorough investigation and reporting standards, and mandating audio or video recording of interviews with children when feasible. It limits the use of voice stress analysis, ensures coordination with law enforcement when criminal conduct is suspected, and affirms parents’ ability to record interactions with the department outside court proceedings. Implementation of the recording requirement depends on federal funding. Overall, the measure aims to improve transparency, documentation, and accountability in child welfare investigations.
SB1092 - This bill revises Arizona probation law by strengthening restrictions for individuals convicted of dangerous crimes against children (age 14 and under) while refining overall probation procedures. It prevents early termination of probation for these offenses, limits eligibility for earned or work-time credits, and reinforces lifetime probation requirements. The measure also formalizes processes for remote reporting, transfers between counties, and annual review hearings, while preserving victim notification and safety considerations. Overall, it tightens supervision and accountability standards while maintaining structured incentives for compliant probationers.
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A.R.S. § 13-909 – Human Trafficking Vacatur Law- Striker Bill proposed – to add expungement/sealing of non-violent state crimes that a person being trafficked committed while being trafficked.
Federal Bills we are supporting
SIGNED INTO LAW JANUARY 2026 Trafficking Survivor Relief Act
SIGNED INTO LAW, FALL 2025 S. 4569 - The Take it Down Act.​​​​​​
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The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2796) is a federal bill that would reauthorize and expand key programs under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, strengthening prevention, survivor support, and funding through 2029. It proposes updated education and prevention grants to help schools and communities identify trafficking risks and train personnel on recognizing and responding to exploitation, while also establishing a survivor employment and education program that provides job training, education, life-skills support, case management, and assistance addressing criminal records linked to victimization for up to five years. The bill extends funding authorizations for existing anti-trafficking initiatives, including support for the National Human Trafficking Hotline and public awareness efforts, aiming to reinforce both prevention infrastructure and long-term recovery services for survivors.
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The Runaway & Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act (H.R. 3856) would reauthorize and expand federal programs supporting runaway and homeless youth, recognizing their heightened vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking. The bill strengthens funding and coordination for shelters, counseling, outreach, and transitional services, requires improved data collection and reporting on youth served (including trafficking victimization), and promotes trauma-informed, culturally appropriate care. It prioritizes safe housing, education and employment support, and prevention services while expanding grant programs for street outreach to youth at risk of sexual abuse or trafficking. Overall, the measure aims to enhance federal infrastructure for prevention, identification, and support of vulnerable youth populations as part of broader anti-trafficking efforts
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The SAVE Girls Act (S.48) is a federal proposal that would create a grant program through the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services to help combat the smuggling and trafficking of girls and young women. It authorizes funding for states, tribes, local governments, and nonprofit victim-service organizations to prevent the cross-border smuggling of individuals ages 12–24 and to provide support for those already smuggled or at risk of becoming victims of severe trafficking, including child sex trafficking. The legislation allocates up to $50 million for these grants and focuses on prevention, protection, and victim services rather than criminal penalties. As introduced, the bill has been referred to committee and has not yet become law.​
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The End Child Trafficking Now Act S.52, is a proposed federal bill intended to prevent child trafficking at U.S. borders by requiring adults traveling with minors to verify their relationship through documentation or DNA testing when necessary. It would create criminal penalties for using unrelated children to gain entry into the country and ensure that children whose relationships cannot be confirmed are treated as unaccompanied minors and placed into protective custody. The measure is designed to strengthen screening and disrupt trafficking practices, but it has only been introduced in Congress and has not been enacted into law.
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