AZ HB2057

Requires persons acting as agents of foreign principals to register with the Arizona Secretary of State within ten days of becoming an agent, filing a comprehensive registration statement under oath including identity, business addresses, foreign principal information, and detailed descriptions of activities and compensation.

Mandates registered foreign agents file supplemental registration statements every six months and notify the Secretary of State within ten days of any changes to specified information, with the Secretary authorized to require more frequent updates.

Prohibits registered foreign agents from distributing informational materials without a conspicuous statement that materials are distributed on behalf of the foreign principal, and requires filing two copies of such materials with the Secretary of State within forty-eight hours of transmission.

Exempts certain individuals and organizations from registration requirements, including diplomatic officers, foreign government officials recognized by the U.S. Department of State, persons engaged only in private trade activities, religious or academic pursuits, and lawyers providing legal representation.

Establishes criminal penalties of class 1 misdemeanor for knowing violations, false statements, or material omissions, with enforcement authority granted to the Arizona Attorney General and county attorneys, and authorizes civil penalties up to $1,000 for non-compliance with corrective action orders.