Arizona Bill Protecting Off-Duty Officers Now On Governor's Desk

By Holliday Moore
Published: Wednesday, April 12, 2017 - 7:44am
Updated: Wednesday, April 12, 2017 - 7:45am

Arizona lawmakers approved what they are calling the “Blue Lives Matter Law” and sent it onto Gov. Doug Ducey for his signature Tuesday.

If he signs it, anyone found guilty of assaulting an off-duty peace officer will face the same felony charges as they would if they assaulted an officer in uniform.

Senate Bill 1366, sponsored by Republican Sen. Steve Smith, specifically mandates it be called the “Blue Lives Matter Law” to show Arizona will not tolerate violence toward a peace officer.

But, Democratic Rep. Reginald Bolding called the measure disrespectful and an affront to the Black Lives Matter movement.