Arizona Cade's Law Bill Targets Adults Who Encourage Minors Online to Commit Suicide

HB 2665 Would Expand Manslaughter Law to Prosecute Adults Who Encourage Minors to Die by Suicide Online

House Bill 2665, also known as Cade's Law, is heading to Governor Katie Hobbs' desk to create greater accountability around teen suicide and online communication. The legislation expands Arizona's manslaughter law to prosecute adults 18 and older who advise or encourage minors online to take their own lives.

Named After Phoenix Teen Who Died by Suicide in 2022

The bill honors Cade Keller, a 16-year-old from the Phoenix area who died by suicide in 2022 after messaging 12 people about his plans who never alerted his family or authorities.

Cade Keller was a dynamic young man who loved cooking, designing clothes, and welding. He was enrolled at Mesa Community College welding program when he took his own life in March 2022.

Family Discovery Led to Legislation

When Cade's mom and stepdad went through his phone after his death, they discovered videos and messages from people who knew about his suicide plans but did not report them to family, the 988 crisis hotline, or authorities.

Cade's mother, Megan Keller, told lawmakers that her son's friends knew he planned to kill himself. Not one person did anything to help, she said. Cade's peers were asked why no one notified the 988 suicide crisis line, 911, or a parent. They said, Megan, we did not believe him.

That discovery led Megan Keller into State Representative Pamela Carter's office, asking for a way to help keep this from happening to others. That meeting then led to House Bill 2665.

Expands Manslaughter Definition to Include Online Encouragement

Currently, Arizona state law punishes providing the physical means for suicide. But there was nothing for online directed communication, according to State Rep. Pamela Carter.

Carter wanted to add the online component to the law. The bill would apply only to an adult communicating with a minor. It would expand the definition of manslaughter to include a person who is at least 18 years old and who intentionally provides advice or encouragement through directed communication that a minor uses to die by suicide with the knowledge that the minor intends to die by suicide.

Class 2 Felony Carries Five Years Presumed Prison Term

Manslaughter is a Class 2 felony in Arizona. The fact sheet states that the offense carries a presumed prison term of five years and a maximum fine of $150,000 for a first-time felony offender.

The bill passed the state Senate unanimously. It has not yet passed the House.

Bill Does Not Cover Teen-On-Teen Communication

The bill would not apply if all people involved are under 18. Any advice or encouragement to commit suicide between minors would not meet the requirement to bring manslaughter charges.

The law also does not cover cases where a group hears a friend's intention to commit suicide and does not report it. The bill only applies to adult communication with minors.

Representative Carter Calls It Labor of Love

State Rep. Pamela Carter, a Republican who represents Arizona's 4th Legislative District, described the bill as a labor of love to do for Cade and for all kids out there struggling with thoughts of suicide.

Carter said they are not trying to add more victims to this. They understand the individual has some responsibility. They are just trying to help and not put people on the sidelines.

Family Calls for People to Check In on Loved Ones

Brian Cooper, Cade Keller's stepdad, emphasized that people should really check in on their loved ones and not be afraid to talk about suicide.

That is the family's call to action for people who want to help prevent teen suicides. They want communities to be more aware and more willing to reach out to at-risk youth.

Fundraiser Planned for Cade Keller Scholarship Fund

On April 18, OHSO Brewery in Arcadia is hosting Cade's Day, a cornhole tournament and fundraiser for the Cade Keller Scholarship Fund at Mesa Community College.

The scholarship fund supports students pursuing welding programs at Mesa Community College, following Cade's passion for the trade.

Help Available for Those Struggling

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans.

Support in Spanish is also available. You can also chat with crisis counselors via online chat.

Bill Awaits Governor Hobbs Signature

Cade's Law awaits Governor Katie Hobbs signature. The bill has been transmitted to her desk for final action.

The bill represents a significant step toward holding adults accountable for online behavior that could lead to tragic outcomes for vulnerable youth.