HB 4013 would have Arizona join the Interstate Compact for a National Popular Vote. The bill amends Arizona law governing presidential electors so that, once the compact is in effect nationally, Arizona’s electoral votes would be awarded to the presidential slate that wins the most votes nationwide rather than the slate that wins Arizona’s popular vote. The measure also adds a new chapter to Title 16 setting out the compact’s terms, including how member states calculate the national popular vote total, certify electors for the national popular vote winner, handle ties, and share vote totals with other member states.
The bill is structured so that the compact would only govern Arizona’s electors if states holding a majority of electoral votes have enacted substantially the same agreement and it is in effect. It also provides that the compact would supersede conflicting Arizona laws when operative, allows member states to withdraw under specified timing rules, and ends the agreement if the Electoral College is abolished. In practical terms, the bill would shift Arizona from a winner-take-all state-based allocation of presidential electors to participation in a multi-state system designed to ensure the presidency goes to the national popular vote winner.
Impact
HB 4013 would materially change Arizona’s election statutes by adding a new interstate compact chapter to Title 16 and revising A.R.S. § 16-212 to recognize national popular vote procedures when the compact is active. It would affect the duties of the secretary of state and other election officials by requiring them to certify electors based on national vote totals, exchange vote information with other member states, and follow compact rules that override conflicting state law. The bill would also alter how presidential electors are appointed in Arizona, but only if the compact reaches the activation threshold of states representing a majority of electoral votes.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of committee testimony or recorded votes, the available context suggests the measure was introduced by a large group of House members and was framed as a voting-reform proposal rather than a partisan procedural change. The bill’s supporters appear to favor aligning the Electoral College outcome with the national popular vote, while the lack of recorded committee action or votes means there is no documented legislative consensus or opposition in the provided materials. Overall, the sentiment in the available record is neutral-to-supportive in presentation, but not enough information is provided to gauge broader chamber sentiment.
Contention
The main point of contention inherent in HB 4013 is whether Arizona should join a compact that could cause its electoral votes to follow the national popular vote instead of the Arizona vote. Supporters are likely to argue that the compact makes every vote count equally nationwide and better reflects the will of the electorate, while opponents would likely object that it reduces Arizona’s independent role in presidential elections and could bind the state to outcomes determined by voters elsewhere. Another potential issue is the bill’s reliance on other states joining the compact before it takes effect, which raises questions about enforceability, interstate coordination, and whether the agreement should supersede conflicting state election laws.
Urges Congress to enact "Presidential Security Resources Reimbursement Act of 2024" to reimburse State and local units for public safety expenses incurred during major presidential and vice presidential candidates' visits.