STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – The Arizona House of Representatives today approved House Bill 2665, sponsored by State Representative Pamela Carter, expanding Arizona’s manslaughter law to cover adults over 18 who intentionally advise or encourage a minor to die by suicide through a directed communication, knowing the minor intends to do so. Teen suicide is the second leading cause of death in America among ages 10 to 24 and has grown with the rise of social media platforms. HB 2665 adds additional protections for minors online.

The legislation is titled Cade’s Law: If You See Something Say Something, in honor of 16-year-old Cade Keller of Arizona.

“Two years ago, I met with the mother of Cade Keller, a talented 16-year-old who loved welding and had just started at Mesa Community College,” said Representative Pamela Carter. “On March 12, 2022, Cade posted on Instagram that he planned to take his life and shared it with peers. No one called 911. Cade’s mom found him the next morning after he died by suicide. Arizona law already punishes providing the physical means, but it has left a gap when an adult uses targeted online messages to push a child toward suicide. Cade’s Law closes that gap. If you are 18 or older and you knowingly encourage a minor who intends to die by suicide, you should face serious criminal consequences. Kids in crisis need help immediately, not spectators and not online predators. This is the companion bill to HB 2666 to punish the sexual extortion of our kids under 18 online.”

HB 2665 targets anyone over 18 who uses social media, text messages, and other online platforms to exploit vulnerable teens. It defines “directed communication” as any verbal, written, or electronic message specifically aimed at the minor who dies by suicide, including posts or content that identify, tag, or are otherwise directed at that minor. The bill does not apply to general public commentary, artistic expression, or broader discussions of suicide or mental health that are not directed at the minor who dies by suicide.

HB 2665 now advances to the Arizona Senate for consideration.

Pamela Carter is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 4 in Phoenix. Follow her on X at @PamelaCarter888.