HB 2519 Summary

• Repeals existing sections 13-409 and 13-410 of Arizona Revised Statutes and replaces them with new provisions governing law enforcement use of force.

• Requires peace officers to use nonviolent means when possible before using physical force, and to use physical force only when nonviolent means would be ineffective in making an arrest, preventing escape, or preventing imminent threat of serious injury or death.

• Mandates that when physical force is used, officers must minimize injury, render medical aid as soon as practicable, and notify next of kin if a person is killed or suffers serious injury.

• Prohibits peace officers from using deadly physical force to apprehend persons suspected of committing only minor or nonviolent offenses.

• Restricts use of deadly physical force to situations involving felonies with use or threatened use of deadly force, when suspect poses immediate threat, force does not create substantial risk to others, and requires verbal warning unless doing so would place officer at risk or endanger another person.