AZ HB2147

Effective January 1, 2026, persons convicted of specified felonies are disqualified from holding public office or public employment, including felonies involving moral turpitude committed in positions of public trust, serious/violent/aggravated felonies, domestic violence offenses, and specific statutory violations.

Persons previously convicted of assault (13-2921), aggravated assault (13-2921.01), or aggravated assault on law enforcement (13-3019) may be eligible if they complete their sentence, are not on probation, and (for elected office candidates) obtain written endorsements from their legislative district party chair, county/state party chairs, and a U.S. Congressional representative.

Candidates for office and public employment applicants must submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal background checks through the Department of Public Safety and obtain eligibility confirmation from the Secretary of State.

Candidates for elected office pay for their own background checks; prospective employers pay for employment applicant checks.

Ineligibility determinations are final except when a disqualifying conviction is overturned or when extraordinary circumstances are proven in a hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings.