'Preston's Law' signed by AZ Gov. Katie Hobbs

‘Preston’s Law’ Signed By Governor

A bill, HB2611, known as Preston’s Law, named in honor of 16-year-old Preston Lord, whose life was tragically taken in 2023 by a violent teen group, has been signed into law. For nearly two years, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell worked alongside State Representative Matt Gress (R), and Preston Lord’s parents, to gain passage of...

'Preston's Law' signed by AZ Gov. Katie Hobbs

The legislation, which was named after Preston Lord, upgrades assault charges if three or more people attack a victim. Preston Lord died following an assault at a house party in Queen Creek in 2023, and seven people have been charged in connection with the murder.

Gov. Hobbs signs ‘Preston’s Law,’ targeting group attacks after teen’s death

Better known as Preston’s Law, the new legislation establishes harsher penalties for aggressors in lopsided assaults.

Preston's Law: Gov. Hobbs signs bill aimed at targeting violent group assaults

The bill, which was named after a murdered teenager, will update the definition of aggravated assault in Arizona to make group-style attacks a Class 4 felony.

PHOENIX – Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs enacted on Monday House Bill 2611, which combats group attacks following the death of Preston Lord, a teenage boy from the east of the Valley. Known as the Preston Act, this new legislation sets more severe penalties for aggressors in cases of disproportionate assaults. Preston’s Act amends the current statutes on aggression to create a new type of crime called “crowd.” Swarm occurs when three or more indiv…