Legislative Update

HB2119 (2022): Auto-Restoration of Civil Rights for AZ Felons

On September 24, 2022, Arizona's House Bill 2119 became law. It changed civil rights restoration from "you must apply" to "you're restored automatically" for first-time AZ felons. Most Arizonans don't realize it applies to them.

The old system

Before HB2119, every Arizona felon had to file an application under A.R.S. § 13-908 to restore their civil rights — the right to vote, serve on a jury, and hold public office. The application required documentation, a filing fee, and judicial review. Many people simply never filed, meaning they remained legally disenfranchised long after their sentences ended.

What HB2119 does

HB2119 amended A.R.S. § 13-907 to make civil rights restoration automatic at probation discharge or absolute discharge from prison, for first-time AZ felons. No application. No filing fee. No court appearance.

The law applies to anyone whose probation was discharged on or after September 24, 2022, with one Arizona felony on their record. If you fit that profile, you're already restored — you just need to register to vote, get jury notices, etc.

When you still need to apply

HB2119 doesn't cover everyone. You still need to file under § 13-908 if:

• You have two or more felony convictions (any state)
• Your conviction was in another state or in federal court
• Your discharge was before September 24, 2022 and you never filed

In those cases, the application is still straightforward — and HB2119 also removed the prior 2-year waiting period for § 13-908(A) applications, so you can file immediately upon discharge.

Firearm rights are NOT included

This is the most common misunderstanding. Civil rights restoration under § 13-907 covers vote, jury, and public office only. Firearm rights have a separate statute (§ 13-910) with its own waiting periods (2 years for most felonies, 10 for serious offenses, permanent bar for dangerous offenses). HB2119 did not change firearm-rights restoration.

State v. Begay (2026)

A 2026 Arizona Supreme Court decision, State v. Begay, confirmed that the trigger date for auto-restoration is the end of probation — not any later certificate. If you're unsure when your probation ended, request a copy of your Order of Discharge from your probation officer.

Getting documentation

Even when auto-restored, some employers and licensing boards want a Certificate of Restoration of Civil Rights as proof. Effective May 2026, Arizona courts began automatically issuing these certificates to auto-restored petitioners. If you need one and haven't received it, contact the convicting court's clerk office.

For a full walkthrough, see our Civil Rights Restoration Guide.