Cole Libera serves as Deputy Director of Government Affairs for Rose Law Group
(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Silent Witness.)
Arizona House of Representatives Representative David Marshall (R-7) | News Release
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Legislation to protect the anonymity of Arizonans who submit crime
tips through Silent Witness and other community tip lines was signed into law Friday, delivering a major
win for public safety and victim protection.
HB2388, sponsored by State Representative David Marshall, prohibits the disclosure of information that
could identify someone who provides an anonymous tip, unless a court finds good cause for release. The
law also establishes guidelines for the use of tip information in legal proceedings and how long records
must be retained.
“Anonymous crime reporting saves lives and solves cases—but only if people feel safe coming
forward,” said Representative Marshall, who chairs the House Committee on Public Safety & Law
Enforcement. “This law ensures that when Arizonans step up to report dangerous criminals, their
privacy will be protected. It balances the needs of law enforcement, prosecutors, and the accused
while protecting the integrity of trusted community programs like Silent Witness and Operation
Game Thief.”
The law places firm limits on when tip-related records can be disclosed, outlines retention rules for written
tips, and requires court oversight before any identifying information may be subpoenaed. Prosecutors can
still fulfill legal or ethical disclosure duties, but anonymous tips are otherwise presumed confidential.
HB2388 passed with strong bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. The measure advances the
House Republican Majority Plan to promote public safety and protect individual rights.
“Arizonans deserve safe neighborhoods and confidence that their privacy will be respected when they
report a crime,” Representative Marshall added. “With this new law, we’re reinforcing the rule of law
and giving law enforcement another tool to keep our communities secure.”
Cole Libera, Deputy Director of Rose Law Group’s Government Affairs team, represented Silent Witness during the legislative process. Libera commented on the law, saying:
“As a board member of Silent Witness, getting this piece of legislation passed has personal meaning to me. I’m honored to play a small role in making Arizona residents a little bit safer.”
