Arizona HB 2678 — AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) Criminalized (57th Leg. 1st R.S., signed 2025)
Arizona · Arizona HB 2678, 57th Leg., 1st R.S. (2025); amends A.R.S. §§ 13-3553 et seq. to criminalize AI-generated CSAM
Arizona House Bill 2678, passed in the 57th Legislature's 1st Regular Session and signed by Governor Katie Hobbs in approximately September 2025, criminalizes artificial intelligence-generated and computer-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in Arizona. The law expands the existing definition of 'visual depiction' in Arizona's child exploitation statutes to explicitly include digitally generated, AI-generated, and computer-generated images, meaning such images are treated the same as real photographs of child sexual exploitation. It also updates the definition of 'minor' within child-exploitation statutes to be consistent with this expanded scope. Offenses involving victims under 15 years old are classified as 'dangerous crimes against children,' carrying enhanced mandatory sentencing under Arizona law. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline endorsed the bill. The law's first known prosecution came in May 2026 when a Gilbert, Arizona man was charged with more than 20 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor for AI-generated images.
Technical detail
HB 2678 (57th Leg., 1st R.S.; sponsored by Rep. Julie Willoughby, R-Chandler; signed Gov. Hobbs ~September 2025; effective ~90 days after session end). Key provisions: (1) amends A.R.S. § 13-3553 et seq. to include digitally generated, AI-generated, and computer-generated images within the definition of 'visual depiction' for purposes of child exploitation offenses — eliminates a gap where AI-generated images were arguably not covered by prior statute; (2) updates the definition of 'minor' in the relevant chapter for consistency; (3) maintains 'dangerous crimes against children' classification (A.R.S. § 13-705) for images depicting victims under age 15, which triggers mandatory minimum sentencing enhancements. Prior AZ law covered 'simulated' CSAM but lacked explicit coverage of AI-generated/computer-generated depictions. Companion to federal law enforcement efforts; does not conflict with TRAIGA (tx-hb-149-traiga) which is TX-only. First indictment: Maricopa County, AZ, May 2026 (Gilbert man; 20+ counts sexual exploitation of a minor). Note: AZ session_end_date and enacted_date are approximate; the azleg.gov source URL (press release) was proxy-blocked in this sandbox.
Who is protected: Arizona minors from AI-generated child sexual abuse material; victims of digitally generated CSAM
Who must comply: Any person who produces, possesses, distributes, or transmits AI-generated or computer-generated CSAM in Arizona
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Arizona |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | In effect |
| Protection strength | Moderate protection |
| Effective date | 2025-09-27 |
| Enacted | 2025-09-27 |
| Citation | Arizona HB 2678, 57th Leg., 1st R.S. (2025); amends A.R.S. §§ 13-3553 et seq. to criminalize AI-generated CSAM |
| Enforced by | Arizona county attorneys and attorney general; law enforcement agencies |
| Private right of action | No — agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | Felony charges under Arizona sexual exploitation of a minor statutes; 'dangerous crimes against children' classification for images of victims under 15 (mandatory minimum sentences under A.R.S. § 13-705) |
| Topics | deepfakes · children's online safety · police and surveillance AI |
| Last verified | 2026-08-11 |
| Official source | HB 2678 — House Press Release (azleg.gov, May 13, 2025) ↗ |
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