PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has signed House Bill 2611, known as “Preston’s Law,” in response to the 2023 killing of 16-year-old Preston Lord, who was attacked by a group of teens at a party in Queen Creek.
The bill, passed by the Arizona House last week in a 35-19 vote, elevates the punishment for violent group assaults involving at least three individuals. Under the new law, the offense is upgraded from a Class 6 to a Class 4 felony. Minimum sentencing increases from one year to 2.5 years, and convictions will no longer be eligible for reduction to misdemeanors. However, the offenses will still remain probation-eligible.
“Preston’s Law ensures that those who commit violent acts as a group will face real consequences. Arizona will not tolerate organized violence in our communities,” said Rep. Matt Gress, who sponsored the bill.
Gress worked closely with Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell and Lord’s parents for nearly two years to move the legislation forward.
Mitchell said the law provides prosecutors with a much-needed tool to hold individuals accountable in group attack scenarios, often referred to as “swarming.” “It’s a new tool we can use to send a clear message to those who commit these cowardly attacks that they will most definitely be held accountable,” she said.
Preston’s Law will go into effect 90 days after the current legislative session ends, likely sometime this summer.
The legislation comes amid rising concerns about teen violence in the East Valley and growing public pressure for more aggressive legal consequences.
