Preston’s Law signed: Arizona. Gov. Hobbs signs HB 2611

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) signed a bill into law on Monday that changes how the state prosecutes gang-style assaults in response to the attack that killed 16-year-old Preston Lord in 2023. 

House Bill 2611, which was sponsored by state Rep. Matt Gress (R-Dist. 4), changes the definition of aggravated assault to include a physical assault by a person who is then aided by two or more accomplices. This type of crime will now be a Class 4 felony in Arizona. 

The bill was named “Preston’s Law” in honor of the Queen Creek teenager who was killed in a group-style assault at a Halloween Party in October 2023.    

“Preston’s Law ensures that those who commit violent acts as a group will face real consequences,” said Representative Matt Gress, sponsor of the new law. “We’ve seen what happens when mobs believe they can act with impunity. This law sends a clear message: if you gang up to hurt someone, you will be held accountable. Arizona will not tolerate organized violence in our communities.”

This bill will add a presumptive sentence of two and a half years to future cases. 

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has also pushed to a change in Arizona law to include acts of “swarming,” where several assailants attack a single person. 

“Our current law was not doing the job that we needed it to do,” Mitchell said in Sept. 2024.  

In Arizona, bills normally become law 90 days after Arizona’s legislative session concludes each year.   

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