STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – The Arizona House of Representatives took action today to protect the people of Arizona from foreign government intimidation, passing HB2374, sponsored by State Representative Quang Nguyen. The bill strengthens penalties for crimes committed by foreign agents and prohibits unauthorized foreign law enforcement activities within the state. It also directs the Arizona Department of Public Safety to develop a training program to help law enforcement identify and respond to transnational repression.

Representative Nguyen, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, led the charge to pass HB2374, warning of the growing threat posed by foreign adversaries operating on U.S. soil.

“I fled communist Vietnam as a child, so I know firsthand the devastating impact of government repression,” said Representative Nguyen. “No one in Arizona—no one in America—should have to live in fear of harassment, intimidation, or assault by foreign agents. This bill sends a clear message: we will not tolerate foreign governments trampling on our freedoms. House Republicans are committed to safeguarding individual rights, and HB2374 ensures that our laws stand firm against those who seek to silence and threaten people on American soil.”

HB2374 addresses a disturbing reality—foreign governments, particularly the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), have used intimidation and coercion to silence dissidents, students, and activists living in the U.S. In one of the most well-documented cases, Chinese secret police established illegal operations in New York City to monitor and harass expatriates. Arizona is not immune to this threat. HB2374 ensures that law enforcement is equipped to recognize these crimes and take action to protect victims.

The legislation strengthens public safety by increasing felony classifications for crimes such as stalking, harassment, assault, and threats when committed by foreign agents to coerce or retaliate against individuals for exercising their First Amendment rights. It also makes it a Class 2 felony for unauthorized foreign law enforcement to operate in Arizona without state or federal approval.

House Republicans made protecting individual rights and public safety a top priority in the House Republican Majority Plan, and HB2374 is a key part of that mission. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Quang Nguyen is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 1 in Yavapai County and is Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Follow him on X at @QuangNguyenAZ.