Arizona is home to thousands of dedicated men and women who want to serve their country and communities—but outdated laws are holding them back from jobs, military service, and economic opportunity.

HB2658 is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that passed the Arizona House in a landslide—56-1. Republicans and Democrats alike agreed that one minor mistake from childhood or young adulthood should not be a life sentence to hardship.

This bill only applies to nonviolent, non-serious, and non-repetitive offenses. It does not grant automatic expungement—a person must petition the court, and approval is only granted if both a judge and prosecutor agree. This ensures that public safety remains the priority while allowing those who have proven rehabilitation a fair chance to move forward.

Why HB2658 Matters:
✅ Strengthens Arizona’s workforce – Many industries, including military and defense, are struggling to fill positions. Employers often don’t object to the incident itself—but workplace policies automatically disqualify applicants with a record, forcing businesses to lose qualified candidates.
✅ Supports veterans & service members – PTSD is linked to higher rates of misdemeanor offenses, making it harder for veterans transitioning back into civilian life to secure stable jobs. This bill helps those who have served our country regain their footing.
✅ Encourages personal responsibility – Individuals must actively apply, go before a judge, and receive approval from both the court and a prosecutor—this is not a free pass.
✅ Reduces government dependency & increases efficiency – When people can work, they don’t need government assistance. This bill reduces the burden on state resources and streamlines the judicial system by allowing courts to focus on more serious cases. It’s a fiscally responsible, conservative solution.

This bill is about accountability, opportunity, and ensuring Arizonans aren’t permanently punished for youthful mistakes. We urge the Arizona Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate leadership to move HB2658 forward without delay.