‘Preston’s Law’ targeting violent group attacks signed into law by Gov. Katie Hobbs

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed House Bill 2611, known as “Preston’s Law,” into law on Monday as a response to the death of Preston Lord.

Lord was a 16-year-old who was fatally beaten by a group of teens outside a party in Queen Creek in October 2023.

The bill passed both chambers of the Legislature with bipartisan support.

The legislation increases the penalty for those convicted in group attacks involving at least three people from a Class 6 felony to a Class 4 felony.

These group attacks are also referred to as “swarming.” While these types of attacks will be probation-eligible, the new law ups the minimum sentencing from a year to 2.5 years and also ensures that charges cannot be lowered to a misdemeanor.

Victim’s parents worked to pass Preston’s Law

State Rep. Matt Gress (R-Dist. 4), Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell and Lord’s parents worked in tandem for almost two years to support the passage of the bill.

“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,” Gress said in a press release.

“I’m especially grateful to County Attorney Mitchell for her leadership and to the Lord family for their immeasurable strength in seeking justice. Their tireless voices turned grief into change and helped push this law across the finish line. We honor Preston Lord by making his name a legacy of reform, not just a reminder of tragedy.”

Mitchell said Preston’s Law will go into effect 90 days after the legislature concludes this year’s session.

Arizona’s legislative session begins in January and typically ends in June.

“Preston’s tragic death placed sharp focus on the need for the law to catch up with this awful trend. It’s a new tool we can use to send a clear message those who commit these cowardly attacks that they will most definitely be held accountable,” Mitchell said in a release.

“I am deeply grateful to legislators, staff and supporters who worked very hard to change the law, and to the governor for giving Preston’s Law her approval.”

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