Designate Drug Cartels as Terrorist Organizations and Require State DHS to Address Threats Measure
Criminal Sentencing & Public Safety
Summarized
What Would This Do?
If approved, Proposition 317 would do two things: declare that drug cartels are terrorist organizations, and require the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to do "everything within its authority to address the threat posed by drug cartels."
The measure defines a "drug cartel" as any association of persons in which members engage in human trafficking, drug trafficking for profit, or any act of terrorism. It defines "threat" as anything designed to disturb, violate, or harm the public welfare or individual rights guaranteed under the constitution. The measure also clarifies that it does not support an alien's asylum claim.
A “Yes” Vote
A "yes" vote supports declaring drug cartels to be terrorist organizations and requiring the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to do "everything within its authority to address the threat posed by drug cartels."
A “No” Vote
A "no" vote opposes this declaration and requirement, maintaining current law relating to terrorism and the Arizona Department of Homeland Security.
Official Language
Full Legal Text
Ballot Title & Summary (as filed with the Secretary of State)
Ballot Title
PROPOSITION 317 — REFERRED TO THE PEOPLE BY THE LEGISLATURE RELATING TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY. OFFICIAL TITLE: AMENDING TITLE 41, CHAPTER 41, ARTICLE 1, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES, BY ADDING SECTION 41-4256. DESCRIPTIVE TITLE: DECLARES THAT DRUG CARTELS ARE TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS; DIRECTS THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO DO EVERYTHING IN ITS AUTHORITY TO ADDRESS DRUG CARTELS.
Ballot Summary
A "yes" vote shall have the effect of: (1) declaring drug cartels as terrorist organizations and directing the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to do everything in its authority to address threats posed by drug cartels; (2) defining "drug cartel" to mean an ongoing formal or informal association of persons engaged in human smuggling, drug trafficking, or any act defined as terrorism under Arizona law; and (3) clarifying that this measure does not support an alien's asylum claim. A "no" vote shall have the effect of maintaining the current laws relating to terrorism and the Arizona Department of Homeland Security.
Support
Officials
State Rep. Michael Carbone (R) · State Rep. Nick Kupper (R) · Arizona Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro (R) · State Rep. Michele Pena (R)
“Arizona is on the frontlines of a war that Washington has refused to fight until President Trump arrived. These cartels are not just smuggling drugs; they are running sophisticated, brutal operations that profit off human misery — trafficking women and children, flooding our streets with fentanyl, and killing Americans at an unprecedented rate.”
Opposition
Officials
State Sen. Catherine H. Miranda (D)
Political Parties
Coconino County Democrats
Organizations
Civic Engagement Beyond Voting LD3 Democrats Northeastern Maricopa County
“It is ... weaponizing the ballot to push the Right's anti-immigrant agenda.”
“[HCR 2055 is] a do-nothing bill, its prime intent seems to be to clutter up the ballot for no good reason.”
“Arizona residents who are engaged in buying and selling low amounts of drugs may find themselves designated as terrorists simply because they have a substance abuse disorder or are a low-level part of the drug economy.”
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