AZ SB1187

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-701 to add a new aggravating circumstance for sentencing purposes.

Creates aggravating factor 25: allows courts to impose enhanced sentences if evidence shows the defendant committed a crime out of malice toward a victim because of the victim's political affiliation, beliefs or opinions, or because of the defendant's perception thereof.

Renumbers the existing "catch-all" aggravating circumstance from factor 25 to factor 26, which allows courts to consider any other relevant factors related to the defendant's character, background, or the nature of the crime.

Applies to felony sentencing decisions where a trier of fact must find at least one aggravating circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt before enhanced sentences can be imposed.