Arizona's existing law making it manslaughter for an adult to intentionally give a minor advice or encouragement that the minor uses to die by suicide now says this includes a "directed communication," such as texts or social media posts aimed at that minor, but not general public commentary, art or discussion not directed at the minor.
Official title: manslaughter; online advice; encouragement
- September 12, 2026
What changes
BeforeA person at least 18 commits manslaughter by intentionally providing advice or encouragement that a minor uses to die by suicide, knowing the minor intends to die by suicide. The law did not say how the advice or encouragement had to be given.
NowThe same crime now expressly includes advice or encouragement given by a "directed communication."
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NowA "directed communication" means any verbal, written or electronic communication, including social media posts, text messages or other online platforms, that is specifically addressed to, or reasonably understood to be directed at, the minor who dies by suicide.
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NowIt includes an online post, message or other content that identifies, tags or is otherwise specifically directed at that minor.
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NowIt does not include general public commentary, artistic expression, or discussion of suicide or mental health that is not specifically directed at the minor who dies by suicide.
Who it affects
- Adults (age 18 or older) who communicate with minors, including online
- Minors and their families
- Prosecutors and courts
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- Specific prison sentence ranges for this offense (the text only restates that manslaughter is a class 2 felony)
- Whether online platforms or companies can be held responsible
- Whether the law applies to communications made before it takes effect
- Whether anyone has a duty to report, despite the short title "If You See Something Say Something"
- How courts will decide what is "reasonably understood" to be directed at a minor
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.