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HCR 2055

drug cartels; terrorist organizations

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Leo Biasiucci and 33 co-sponsors

Would add a new Arizona law declaring drug cartels terrorist organizations and ordering AZDHS to use all authority to counter the threat (ballot measure).

Transmit to Secretary of State
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Bill Summary · HCR 2055

Summary — HCR 2055 (2025): "drug cartels; terrorist organizations"

Status: Transmitted to Secretary of State (filed 2025-06-27).
Type: House Concurrent Resolution to place a statutory change on the ballot (referendum).
Introduced: 2025-02-11. Passed House 02/26/2025; passed Senate 06/27/2025. If approved by voters and proclaimed by the Governor, the measure becomes law.

Main purpose

HCR 2055 places a proposed statutory amendment before Arizona voters that would (if approved) add a new section (A.R.S. §41-4256) declaring that drug cartels are terrorist organizations under Arizona law and directing the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDHS) to “do everything within its authority” to address the threat posed by drug cartels.

Key provisions

  • Adds A.R.S. §41-4256 with three subsections:
    • A. A state declaration that “drug cartels are terrorist organizations” and a directive that the Department shall do everything within its authority to address the threat they pose.
    • B. An express statement that nothing in the section supports an alien’s claim for asylum under federal law.
    • C. Definitions:
    • “Drug cartel” — an ongoing formal or informal association of persons in which members or associates engage in any of: (a) human smuggling; (b) drug trafficking for profit; or (c) any act of terrorism as defined in A.R.S. §13-2301.
    • “Threat” — anything designed to disturb, violate or cause harm to individual constitutional rights or to public safety, health, or general welfare.
  • Legislative findings accompany the measure, citing Proposition 314 (Secure the Border Act, 2024), U.S. Border encounters, increases in fentanyl seizures, federal DEA and Council on Foreign Relations assessments, and a conclusion that Arizona is being “actually invaded” (as recited in the findings).

Who or what would be affected

  • Arizona Department of Homeland Security: explicitly directed to act “within its authority” against cartels.
  • Individuals and organizations identified or characterized as drug cartels under the statutory definition — potentially affecting state-level enforcement, investigations, interagency coordination, and policy priorities.
  • Noncitizens: the text includes a provision stating it does not support an alien’s asylum claim, signaling an intent to bolster immigration/enforcement positions; federal immigration law remains controlling for asylum eligibility.
  • State-federal relations: the declaration intersects with areas of federal authority (terrorist designations, immigration, criminal enforcement) and could affect cooperation protocols between state and federal agencies.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • HCR 2055 is a concurrent resolution that authorizes a legislatively referred measure. Per the resolution, the Secretary of State is to submit the proposition to voters at the next general election (per Article IV, Part 1, §1 of the Arizona Constitution).
  • The measure will not take effect unless approved by a majority of voters at that election and proclaimed by the Governor.

Considerations and likely implications

  • The measure is mainly declaratory and directive (to AZDHS) rather than specifying new criminal penalties; concrete enforcement changes would depend on subsequent agency actions, intergovernmental agreements, and possible additional statutes or rulemaking.
  • Possible legal and operational issues include federal preemption (federal designation and prosecution of terrorism), the scope of state authority to label organizations “terrorist,” civil liberties and due process questions if state actions target persons/groups based on the designation, and impacts on state-federal law enforcement cooperation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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