AZ HB2042

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-1202 to modify the definition of threatening or intimidating by requiring that a person "intentionally utters a true threat or, by conduct, intentionally conveys a true threat."

Defines "true threat" as a statement or conduct where a reasonable person would foresee it being interpreted as a serious expression of intent to inflict bodily harm or take someone's life, and the threat's target believes it is genuine.

Maintains existing criminal penalties: class 1 misdemeanor for threatening or intimidating under subsections A(1) or A(2), upgraded to class 6 felony if committed in retaliation or by a criminal street gang member, and class 3 felony for threats related to criminal organizations.

Removes the phrase "but not limited to" from the definition of serious public inconvenience related to evacuation threats.

Legislative intent states the amendment is required to resolve conflicts between statutory text and First Amendment free speech requirements, citing Arizona Court of Appeals precedent in In re Ryan A.