HB 2749 Becomes Law, Gives a Second Chance to First-Time Felons

Posted on June 12, 2026 in News

Arizona has enacted House Bill 2749, a new law that gives some people with first-time felony convictions a path to have their convictions treated as class 1 misdemeanors. The bill was signed by Governor Katie Hobbs on June 4, 2026, after passing through the Arizona Legislature.  

HB 2749 does not apply to every felony conviction. It creates a narrow second-chance option for certain people convicted of lower-level, non-dangerous felonies who complete their sentence, meet court requirements, and avoid later disqualifying convictions.

What Does HB 2749 Do?

HB 2749 adds a new section to Arizona law, A.R.S. § 13-604.01. Under the new law, a court may enter judgment for a class 1 misdemeanor instead of leaving certain convictions classified as felonies. The law applies only to qualifying Class 4, Class 5, or Class 6 felony convictions.  

This change can matter because a felony conviction can affect employment, housing, licensing, education, and other aspects of life. A misdemeanor designation may help reduce some of those barriers.

However, the change is not automatic. The court must decide whether a misdemeanor designation is in the interest of justice.

HB 2749 is also temporary. The law is set to repeal A.R.S. § 13-604.01 on September 30, 2028, so this misdemeanor designation option may only be available for a limited time.

Who Is Eligible Under HB 2749?

A person may qualify for misdemeanor designation under HB 2749 if all required conditions are met.

To be eligible, the person must have:

• A class 4, class 5, or class 6 felony conviction
• No prior felony convictions
• A conviction that did not involve a dangerous offense
• A conviction that did not involve a victim
• Completed all terms and conditions imposed by the court
• Paid all monetary obligations connected to the conviction
• Completed their sentence at least five years ago, with no later felony conviction and no later misdemeanor conviction involving a victim during that time

The law also requires the court to find that entering judgment for a class 1 misdemeanor is in the interest of justice.  

What Convictions Are Not Covered?

HB 2749 is limited. It does not apply to dangerous offenses, felony cases involving victims, or people with prior felony convictions. 

The law also excludes certain offenses, regardless of their class. Convictions for cruelty to animals (A.R.S. § 13-2910), misconduct involving weapons (A.R.S. § 13-3102), or offenses that require sex offender registration (A.R.S. § 13-3821) do not qualify. 

It also does not apply if the person receives a later felony conviction or misdemeanor conviction involving a victim during the required five-year period after completing the sentence.

The law is aimed at first-time offenders with lower-level felony convictions who have completed the court’s requirements and stayed out of trouble for years.

Does HB 2749 Erase a Criminal Record?

HB 2749 does not appear to erase the conviction record. Instead, it allows a qualifying felony conviction to be designated as a class 1 misdemeanor.

That distinction matters. A person seeking relief should not assume that the conviction disappears from public records or background checks. The benefit is the misdemeanor designation, not automatic record deletion.

Why HB 2749 Matters

A felony label can follow a person long after the sentence ends. It can limit job options, housing applications, professional licenses, loans, and other opportunities.

HB 2749 gives Arizona courts a new tool for people who meet strict conditions. The law recognizes that some first-time felony convictions may no longer reflect a person’s current life, conduct, or risk.

The bill also maintains limits. Courts still review eligibility. The offense must meet the legal requirements. The judge must decide that the misdemeanor designation serves justice.

How AZ Defenders Can Help

AZ Defenders can help eligible people ask the court to designate a felony conviction as a misdemeanor under HB 2749. An attorney can review the conviction, determine whether the person meets the legal requirements, and prepare the petition for the court. 

AZ Defenders can also help gather supporting documentation, identify potential eligibility issues, and explain why the felony should be designated as a class 1 misdemeanor.

After a misdemeanor designation, AZ Defenders can also review whether the person may qualify for other forms of post-conviction relief, including expungement, sealing, or setting aside a conviction. 

These remedies are different, and not every person will qualify for each one. However, a misdemeanor designation may be one important step in reducing the long-term impact of a criminal record.

For eligible individuals, HB 2749 may provide a practical path to reduce the effects of an old felony conviction. AZ Defenders can help determine whether a misdemeanor designation is available and whether additional record-clearing options may help after that step.

Call us at (480) 456-6400 or reach out to us through our contact form to get a free consultation.