Domestic Violence Bill Signed Into Law

(STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX) Lives could literally be saved and more abusers jailed because of two bills the Legislature passed and the governor signed last week. Senate President Tim Bee, R-Tucson, and Sen. Jim Waring, R-Phoenix, are co-sponsors of SB 1227 and SB 1424 that respectively, lessen the financial burden for victims who have to break their lease and extend the length of time that prosecutors can look for multiple domestic violence offenses. "After six years of my colleagues attempting to get this bill passed, I am thrilled that this year we were able to work with Arizona Multihousing Association to find a solution in SB 1227 that will help stop the cycle of violence and make it easier for victims of domestic violence to find safe havens," Bee said. SB 1227 allows domestic violence victims who are fleeing an abuser to terminate rental agreements without incurring early termination penalties or fees. If the tenant provides written 30-day notice and a copy of a restraining order, a court order or police report, he or she can be released from the lease. The tenant must pay any rent owed and any outstanding debt up to the date of termination. "Last year there were 101 domestic violence-related deaths in Arizona. I am confident that this bill will help keep some victims alive, now that it is more possible for them to afford to flee to safety," Waring said. SB 1424 toughens the law by stipulating that a person is guilty of aggravated domestic violence if the person commits a third or subsequent domestic violence offense within a seven-year period instead of the current five years. The punishment for this Class 5 felony is four months in jail for the third offense and at least eight months for the fourth or more. Chris Groninger from the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence said, "Each session the Coalition aims to support and help create opportunities with legislation that both increase victim safety and hold perpetrators more accountable. Albeit in different ways, both SB 1227 and SB 1424 accomplish those objectives. President Bee and Sen. Waring are to be commended for their initiatives and efforts to keep Arizona's families safe and free from violence. We are truly and incredibly grateful for the sponsor's and members of both bodies support for these successes." Sen. Bee was introduced to the issue when his sister was victim of domestic violence. Since then he has met many victims and vowed every year to do what he could to help. In previous sessions he has supported more resources for shelter beds and training for psychologists who make custody recommendations to the court. Sen. Waring is also the sponsor of SB 1006, which adds to the categories of people eligible for redaction of personal information maintained by governmental certain victims of domestic violence or stalking, others who have an order of protection or harassment, a corrections or detention officer or law enforcement or court support staff member. This bill passed the Senate and House and is awaiting final approval in the Senate before being sent to the governor for signature.