Warren Petersen Celebrates Passage of Bill Preventing Release of Dangerous Criminals

State Senate President Warren Petersen (R-14) is celebrating the signing of HB 2307 into law, thanking State Senator Hildy Angius (R-30) for its introduction.

HB 2307, also known as "Dangerous Incompetent Defendants; Out-of-State Facilities," requires criminals who are deemed dangerous and incompetent to stand trial to be held in out-of-state facilities if no beds in Arizona treatment facilities are available.

The Arizona Department of Health Services would cover the associated costs, and the bill's emergency designation means it will go into effect once Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) signs it into law, which she now has.

"Public safety must come first," State Sen. Angius  previously said. "When someone is found dangerous and incompetent to stand trial, they need to be placed in a secure facility where they can receive treatment while protecting the public. This bill helps close a gap in our system and ensures dangerous offenders do not fall through the cracks simply because there is not a bed available in Arizona."

On X, State Sen. Petersen applauded the bill becoming law, writing, "Senator @SenatorAngius worked hard to get this done! She stepped up to lead when the governor failed to keep AZ safe from this killer. Thank you Senator Angius!"

It currently remains unknown as to whom State Sen. Petersen is referring to as a "killer."

At the beginning of March, Petersen clashed with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on social media, accusing her of being soft on crime over a legal dispute involving Arizona's sex offender registry.

Since registry is often for life in Arizona, some registered offenders sued, arguing it is unconstitutional.

"Sex offenders sued Arizona, claiming our strong registration laws are 'cruel and unusual punishment,'" Peterson shared on social media. "When AG Kris Mayes refused to defend the law, I stepped up—intervened on behalf of the Legislature—and we WON in federal court. Lifetime registration for child predators stays."

However, AG Mayes fired back on social media, claiming that "two cases were brought challenging these laws. I fought the one against the State, which I represent, and won — stopping plaintiffs from blocking these laws from taking effect."