Quang H. Nguyen, Arizona State Representative for 2nd District | Facebook
Quang H. Nguyen, Arizona State Representative for 2nd District | Facebook
House Bill 2114, introduced by Representative Quang Nguyen, has been signed into law, aiming to impose stricter penalties on adults over 21 who engage in sexual activities with minors aged 15 to 17. The legislation categorizes such offenses as a class 4 felony if the offender is more than five years older than the victim, an upgrade from the previous classification as a class 6 felony. Additionally, the law requires a minimum jail sentence of one year for offenders who receive probation.
Representative Nguyen emphasized the importance of the legislation: “Adults who target vulnerable teenagers for sex deserve real consequences—not leniency.” He further stated, “This law protects minors and makes it absolutely clear that Arizona will not tolerate this deviant predatory behavior. If you’re an adult who thinks it’s acceptable to exploit a 15-, 16-, or 17-year-old, you’re going to face serious prison time.”
The bill gained substantial bipartisan support in Arizona's legislative chambers and is now incorporated into the state's laws. HB2114 aligns with the House Republican Majority Plan, focusing on enhancing safety in Arizona, upholding the rule of law, and prioritizing support for victims over offenders. The law will be enacted on the next general effective date later this year.
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