New Legislation Proposed Following Teen’s Tragic Death
In the aftermath of a young teenager’s tragic death in Queen Creek, a new legislative bill seeks to address the circumstances surrounding his passing. The bill, named “Preston’s Law,” was introduced at the Arizona state Legislature, drawing attention to needed legal changes.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, alongside state Representative Matt Gress, announced the introduction of the bill (HB2611) on Thursday. The legislation honors Preston Lord, a 16-year-old who lost his life in 2023 after being assaulted by a group known as the “Gilbert Goons.”
Preston’s parents were present at the state Capitol news conference, where Mitchell explained the bill’s impact. The proposed law aims to amend current statutes by establishing that if an individual commits an assault with the assistance of two or more accomplices, the offense will be classified as a Class 4 felony.
Mitchell emphasized, “This is significant for two reasons. First of all, a Class 4 felony carries a longer punishment than a Class 6 felony. But also important is the fact that a Class 4 felony, unlike a Class 6 felony, cannot be returned to a misdemeanor.”
Additionally, Mitchell and Gress brought attention to another proposed bill (HB2653). This legislation seeks to allow law enforcement to redact the names of witnesses, offering them protection and anonymity. “This legislation addresses a critical issue that arose during the investigation where some of the teens who cooperated with law enforcement in Preston’s case were bullied and threatened for speaking with police,” Gress noted.
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