The Arizona House of Representatives has passed Cade’s Law, legislation that would make it a felony for adults to encourage minors to die by suicide through online communication. The bill is named after Cade Keller, a 16-year-old from Arizona who died by suicide in 2022 after posting his intentions on Instagram. No one reported the post or called emergency services.
Representative Pamela Carter spoke about meeting Cade’s mother and highlighted the gap in current Arizona law. “Two years ago, I met with the mother of Cade Keller, a talented 16-year-old who loved welding and had just started at Mesa Community College,” said Representative Carter. “On March 12, 2022, Cade posted on Instagram that he planned to take his life and shared it with peers. No one called 911. Cade’s mom found him the next morning after he died by suicide. Arizona law already punishes providing the physical means, but it has left a gap when an adult uses targeted online messages to push a child toward suicide. Cade’s Law closes that gap. If you are 18 or older and you knowingly encourage a minor who intends to die by suicide, you should face serious criminal consequences. Kids in crisis need help immediately, not spectators and not online predators. This is the companion bill to HB 2666 to punish the sexual extortion of our kids under 18 online.”
House Bill 2665 applies to adults over age 18 who use social media, text messages, or other digital platforms to send directed communications encouraging minors toward suicide. The legislation defines “directed communication” as any message—verbal, written, or electronic—specifically aimed at the minor who dies by suicide. This includes posts or content that identify or tag the minor directly. The bill does not apply to general discussions about mental health or artistic expression that are not specifically directed at an individual minor.
HB 2665 will now move forward for consideration in the Arizona Senate.
Carbone, a Republican elected in 2023, represents Arizona’s 25th House District after succeeding Michelle Udall.
