Gov. Doug Ducey | Facebook/Governor Doug Ducey
Gov. Doug Ducey | Facebook/Governor Doug Ducey
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey held a ceremony on April 25 to mark the signing of two bills intended to strengthen protections for crime victims in Arizona.
The signing of HB 2675 and HB 2604 kicked off Arizona Crime Victims’ Right Week, which celebrated the state’s nationwide leadership in establishing constitutional rights for crime victims, according to a release on the governor’s website.
HB 2604 will increase the duration of orders of protection. HB 2675 requires the Arizona Department of Public Safety to collect information about crimes that could reveal evidence of antisemitism, which Ducey said is an area of concern.
“I’m hopeful this legislation will help us fight antisemitism. We must continue to do all we can to protect Arizonans from antisemitism and ensure those of the Jewish faith are treated with respect, dignity and humanity,” Ducey said in the release. “Thank you to Rep. (Leo) Biasiucci for sponsoring this legislation and leading on this issue."
Biasiucci (R-Lake Havasu City) called the measure “a step in the right direction.”
“This critical legislation will confront antisemitic crimes, bias and discrimination,” he said in the release. “With a standard definition of antisemitism, our state law enforcement will be empowered to stop these horrible incidents.”
Ducey said HB 2604 will provide extra security for crime victims who are under protection.
“We want to ensure all victims can receive support in every corner of our state,” he said. “The bill in front of us is the latest action we’re taking to protect Arizonans who are victims of crime. With this law, victims can feel safe and secure for longer without having to repeat the same judicial process.”
Ducey credited Rep. Shawnna Bolick (R-Phoenix) for sponsoring the bill.
“Victims of a crime should feel protected by their state and not live in fear for their safety,” Bolick said in the release. “It was an honor to sponsor a bill that defends victims’ rights and helps to secure their safety. Thank you again to Gov. Ducey for his continued commitment to crime victims.”
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