HCR2009 is a proposed Arizona constitutional-style referral that would add a new statute in Title 12 governing special actions and proceedings. The measure would give all Arizona citizens a right of action and standing to challenge any unlawful act committed by a government official acting in an official capacity. In practical terms, it is designed to broaden who may bring a legal challenge against government conduct, rather than limiting such challenges to parties who can show a more traditional individualized injury.
The resolution does not itself change the law immediately; instead, it orders the measure to be submitted to voters at the next general election. If approved, it would become law upon voter approval and gubernatorial proclamation, and it would add A.R.S. § 12-824 to the state code. The bill’s legal effect would be to expand access to the courts in disputes involving alleged unlawful official conduct, potentially affecting state and local officials, agencies, and the scope of special actions in Arizona courts.
Impact
If enacted by voters, HCR2009 would amend Arizona law in Title 12, chapter 7, article 2 by creating A.R.S. § 12-824. The new section would establish statewide citizen standing to challenge unlawful acts by government officials taken in their official capacity, which could broaden judicial review and increase the number of lawsuits or special actions brought against public officials. Because it is a referral measure, the immediate impact is procedural: it places the question before voters rather than directly altering statutes on enactment.
Sentiment
There is limited recorded discussion, committee activity, or vote history in the provided materials, so the overall sentiment cannot be measured from debate or amendments. Based on the bill’s text and sponsorship, the measure appears to be framed as a government-accountability proposal intended to empower citizens to police unlawful official conduct. The absence of recorded opposition or support in the available context leaves sentiment largely neutral and unresolved in the legislative record provided.
Contention
The main point of contention likely concerns standing and separation-of-powers issues: the bill would allow any citizen to sue or otherwise initiate a challenge to unlawful acts by government officials, which supporters may view as a broad accountability tool but critics could see as inviting litigation, forum shopping, or politically motivated lawsuits. Another possible concern is whether the measure would expand judicial involvement in executive or administrative decisions beyond current standing rules. No specific committee objections or supporter arguments are included in the provided context, so these issues are inferred from the bill’s operative language.