Senate Republicans Advance Crime Victim Protection Bills, Close Loopholes Exploited by Offenders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Senate Republicans are taking action to protect children, families, and crime victims by strengthening Arizona law, closing dangerous loopholes, and giving courts and law enforcement clearer tools to hold offenders accountable.
This week, the Senate passed a package of public safety bills aimed at preventing repeat offenses, improving monitoring of dangerous criminals, and ensuring offenders cannot evade justice through technical gaps in the law. Nearly all Senate Democrats voted against these measures.
SB 1239, sponsored by former Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp, removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting individuals who fail to register as sex offenders, ensuring offenders cannot avoid accountability simply by waiting out the clock.
SB 1402, also sponsored by Senator Shamp, requires courts to impose a fee on certain probationers to help cover the cost of GPS or electronic monitoring devices when monitoring is ordered, ensuring taxpayers are not solely responsible for supervision costs tied to serious offenders.
"Arizona already has strong protections for victims, but when we identify weaknesses in the law, we have a responsibility to fix them," said Senator Shamp. "These bills close loopholes offenders try to exploit, strengthen accountability for predators, and give law enforcement the tools they need to keep communities safe. Protecting innocent people must always come first."
SB 1635, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh, creates a new criminal offense for knowingly warning someone in real time about an active law enforcement effort to arrest them. The legislation targets intentional actions meant to help suspects evade arrest while protecting lawful communications such as legal advice or cooperation with law enforcement.
"If someone is actively helping a suspect dodge arrest, that is not free speech, that is obstruction," said Majority Leader John Kavanagh. "This bill makes it clear that intentionally tipping off criminals during an ongoing arrest effort has consequences. We stand with law enforcement, not with those trying to undermine them."
SB 1502, sponsored by Senator David Gowan, strengthens penalties for individuals who flee from law enforcement and put others at risk during dangerous pursuits. The legislation increases criminal consequences when a driver recklessly endangers others while attempting to evade police and establishes tougher felony penalties when serious injury occurs, a minor is present in the vehicle, or the driver is impaired.
"Running from law enforcement is not a harmless decision, it puts officers, families, and innocent drivers in danger," said Senator Gowan. "This bill makes clear that if someone chooses to flee and recklessly endanger lives, the consequences will be serious. Public safety has to come first."
All four bills move to the House for consideration.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus