PHOENIX — Governor Katie Hobbs has signed into law H.B. 2114, a bill that increases penalties for adults over 21 who engage in sexual conduct with minors aged 15 or older, despite opposition from several members of her own party. The legislation, which passed the Arizona Senate on February 4, 2025, with a vote of 17-13, marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to sentencing for such offenses.

The new law elevates the penalty for sexual conduct with a minor who is at least 15 years old from a class 6 felony to a class 4 felony, provided the defendant is at least 21 years old and more than 60 months older than the victim at the time of the offense. This change increases the presumptive prison sentence from one year to 2.5 years and mandates a minimum of one year in jail for those convicted. The bill does not affect cases where the so-called “Romeo and Juliet” defense applies, which allows for consensual relationships involving minors aged 15 to 17 and defendants under 19 or within 24 months of the victim’s age.

The Senate vote revealed a clear divide, with 13 senators—all Democrats—voting against the measure. Those opposing the bill included Senators Alston, Bravo, Diaz, Epstein, Fernandez, Gabaldón, Gonzales, Hatathlie, Kuby, Miranda, Ortiz, Sears, and Sundareshan. Supporters, including Senators Angus, Bolick, Carroll, Dunn, Farnsworth, Finchem, Gowan, Hoffman, Kavanagh, Leach, Mesnard, Payne, Petersen, Rogers, Shamp, Shope, and Werner, argued that the increased penalties are necessary to better protect vulnerable minors from predatory behavior.

The bill’s journey through the legislature began in the House, where it passed on February 12, 2025, with a vote of 39-20. The House Judiciary Committee had previously approved the measure on January 29, with a 6-2 vote, though one member abstained. According to the Senate Research fact sheet, the legislation is not expected to have a fiscal impact on the state General Fund, despite the increased sentencing requirements.

H.B. 2114 addresses a gap in Arizona’s existing statutes, which classify sexual conduct with a minor under 15 as a class 2 felony—punishable as a dangerous crime against children—but treat offenses involving minors aged 15 or older as a class 6 felony, unless the offender is in a position of trust. The new law aims to impose stricter consequences for adults who exploit this age group, reflecting a broader push to strengthen protections for minors.

Governor Hobbs’ decision to sign the bill has drawn attention, as it places her at odds with a significant portion of her party. While the governor has not publicly commented on her reasoning, the move comes ahead of an election season, prompting speculation about its political implications. The law will take effect on the general effective date, as outlined in the legislation.

The passage of H.B. 2114 underscores ongoing debates in Arizona about how best to balance punishment with rehabilitation in cases involving minors. For now, the state has taken a firm stance on increasing accountability for adults who commit these offenses, a step that supporters hope will deter future crimes and enhance child safety.