Republican Lawmakers Move to Disband Arizona’s Criminal Justice Commission

By Daniel Stefanski |

Two Arizona lawmakers are moving to dissolve the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, proposing to end its operations by December 31, 2025. State Representative Quang Nguyen, a Republican, has reiterated his support for House Bill 2702, emphasizing that government should prioritize the needs of its citizens.

Nguyen stated, “Government should work for the people—not against them. HB 2702 will cut red tape, eliminate waste, and prevent fraud and abuse. Taxpayers deserve accountability, efficiency, and results. Let’s make government work smarter.”

This commission, established in 1982, was intended to oversee developments in criminal justice policy and facilitate research among agencies. However, the lawmakers argue that its current practices are misaligned with its original mission.

The proposed legislation criticizes the commission for alleged lobbying activities funded by taxpayers. It claims that the commission has engaged in practices such as advocating for surveillance and data collection on law-abiding citizens and pushing for a database targeting concealed carry permit holders.

HB 2702 highlights concerns about the misuse of state funds, asserting that taxpayer dollars should not support lobbying efforts that contradict the legislative goals of criminal justice reform. The bill stipulates that such actions may infringe on the constitutional rights of Arizonans, presenting a potential threat to civil liberties.

Representative Alexander Kolodin, also a Republican, is co-sponsoring the bill alongside Nguyen. The lawmakers aim to ensure that state resources are utilized transparently and effectively, focusing on accountability within government operations.

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.