House Speaker Steve Montenegro and State Representative Joseph Chaplik have introduced new legislative measures in response to recent comments made by Attorney General Kris Mayes regarding Arizona’s stand your ground law. In her remarks, Mayes discussed hypothetical situations involving the use of deadly force against law enforcement officers, including immigration officials. These statements have drawn criticism from lawmakers, law enforcement leaders, and the governor, who described them as dangerous and misleading.
Speaker Montenegro put forward House Bill 2993, which aims to enhance protections for police officers and reinforce accountability within state agencies. The bill proposes that the Department of Public Safety (DPS) be allowed to hire outside legal counsel rather than depending solely on the Attorney General’s Office for representation. It also reallocates $5 million from the Consumer Protection-Consumer Fraud Revolving Fund to the Peace Officers’ Training Fund to support training efforts across Arizona.
“When the Attorney General muddies the law on deadly force, especially when it involves police officers, people can get hurt or killed,” said Speaker Montenegro. “This bill ensures DPS has legal representation they confidently believe has their back. Additionally, the bill diverts Attorney General Mayes’ funding away from an office that adds danger to the streets through her words, to the officers who actually keep communities safer through their actions.”
In addition, Representative Chaplik has introduced House Resolution 2004. This resolution calls for Attorney General Mayes’ resignation and censure over her comments. It states that Arizona law supports compliance with lawful authority and resolving disputes in court instead of through confrontation. The resolution urges Mayes to retract her statements.
“I’ve heard from sheriffs and other law enforcement officials with concerns for the safety of their officers,” Representative Chaplik said. “This kind of violent rhetoric is dangerous in our communities, and it never should have come from the Attorney General or any elected official. She refused to correct the record, and that cannot be ignored. Our officers deserve leaders who back them, not ones who put them in danger.”
Michael Carbone was elected as a Republican member of Arizona’s State House in 2023 representing District 25, succeeding Michelle Udall.
