Hobbs Quietly Signs Nguyen’s Child Protection Bill

In a rare moment of bipartisan consensus, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has signed House Bill HB2114 into law—a child protection bill sponsored by Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Quang Nguyen (R-1). The legislation delivers a clear message: Arizona will no longer tolerate soft penalties for adults who prey on vulnerable teens.

The new law upgrades the offense for adults over the age of 21 who engage in sexual conduct with minors aged 15 to 17. Previously, it was a class-6 felony, but it is now a class-4 felony if the offender is over five years older than the victim. More importantly, the bill mandates a minimum one-year jail sentence even if the offender receives probation—closing a loophole that allows some predators to avoid jail time altogether.

“Adults who target vulnerable teenagers for sex deserve real consequences—not leniency,” said Rep. Nguyen. “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.”

Political observers note that this legislation is not part of Governor Hobbs’s typically progressive policy platform. However, it failed the last session. This marks the second year that Rep. Nguyen introduced the bill; it failed to gain sufficient support in the previous session. Its inclusion in the House Republican Majority Plan’s public safety agenda this year helped propel the bill forward. By signing it into law, Governor Hobbs demonstrated a willingness to support bipartisan efforts to strengthen protections for minors.

HB2114 addresses a serious and growing concern, earning broad bipartisan support in both chambers. Rep. Nguyen explained to the Arizona Globe that under previous law, “Class 6 felony cases were often pled down to Class 1 misdemeanors, allowing offenders to avoid a felony record altogether.” The new law closes that gap, ensuring that adults who exploit minors face more serious consequences.

“This is important legislation that will protect children,” Nguyen emphasized.

Governor Hobbs quietly signed HB2114 into law without fanfare or a public statement.

HB2114 passed the Arizona House of Representatives with 39 votes in favor, 20 against, and one member not voting. The Senate approved the bill with 17 votes in favor and 13 against on a straight party vote.

✅Representative @QuangNguyenAZ’s Legislation to Crack Down on Sexual Predators Signed into Law

“Adults who target vulnerable teenagers for sex deserve real consequences—not leniency. This law protects minors and makes it absolutely clear that Arizona will not tolerate this… pic.twitter.com/6CJMzirw7U

— Arizona House Republicans (@AZHouseGOP) April 8, 2025