ACLU warns committee that expanding 'riot' definition could chill protest; committee advances SB1093

The Arizona Senate Public Safety Committee advanced SB1093 despite opposition from the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, which argued the bill's proposed expansion of the criminal "riot" definition and related conspiracy rules risk criminalizing lawful protest activity.

Noah Schramm, representing the ACLU of Arizona, testified that the bill "represents a dangerous expansion of our riot and conspiracy laws that would directly infringe on Arizona's right to assembly." He said the change would allow prosecutors to charge groups based on planning or association rather than individualized probable cause, warning it could turn "a peaceful planning meeting into a felony conspiracy charge."

Staff described the bill as expanding riot to include threats or acts that cause property damage and adding riot to the list of offenses that may be classified as racketeering, as well as removing the overt-act requirement for certain conspiracy charges. Committee members heard the testimony and asked clarifying questions before moving the measure; by roll call the committee recorded 4 ayes and 3 nos and gave SB1093 a due-pass recommendation.

The bill will proceed to the Senate calendar where floor debate may revisit civil-liberties concerns.