Legislation sponsored by Prescott-area State Representative Quang Nguyen, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has been signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs. House Bill 2115, which expands Arizona’s criminal code and further protects minors from sexual exploitation, passed both chambers unanimously: 59-0 in the House and 25-0 in the Senate.
The bill ensures that individuals who knowingly observe a nude minor for the purpose of sexual gratification can be prosecuted for sexual exploitation of a minor—a Class 2 felony and a dangerous crime against children if the victim is under the age of 15. The new law also strengthens language around child sex dolls and ensures protections for close-in-age, consensual relationships under existing Arizona law.
Chairman Nguyen said, “This law closes a dangerous and sickening loophole. Anyone who seeks out or watches a nude child for their own sexual gratification is engaging in predatory behavior and should be treated accordingly. Arizona won’t tolerate this. HB2115 gives law enforcement and prosecutors a stronger hand in protecting our kids and putting predators where they belong—behind bars.”