Video & Transcript : 'Arizona Centennial' :
Page 53 of 159
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- John is grateful to call Arizona home and live in this historic time for the country.
- Opportunities facing agriculture in Arizona.
- And actually, the state of Arizona already has a process for firearm safety in schools.
- Come on, Arizona. We need to do better. And I hope that everybody votes no on this bill.
- Come on, Arizona. We need to do better. And I hope that everybody votes no on this bill.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Please help me welcome to the Arizona House the Women Leading Government. Thank you.
- State of Arizona Legislative Proclamation, honoring Veronica Parcel for 24 years of dedicated service
- State of Arizona Legislative Proclamation, honoring Veronica Parcel for 24 years of dedicated service
- the people of Arizona.
- Speaker, I move that in compliance with Article 4, Part 2, Section 9 of the Constitution of Arizona,
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/30/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #14
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Whip and members, as passed the House, House Bill 2307 requires the Arizona Department of Health
- to allow until December 31, 2013, the placement of one dangerous and incompetent defendant at the Arizona
- State Hospital when there are no beds available in a secure state mental health facility in Arizona,
- This has to do with those that are determined to be dangerous and incompetent in the state of Arizona
- So there is provisions for out-of-state treatment if there's not anything here in Arizona. So Rep.
Summary:
The caucus briefly reviewed House Bill 2307, which addresses the placement and treatment of dangerous, incompetent defendants when no secure mental health beds are available in Arizona. Staff explained the Senate amendments would allow one such defendant to be housed temporarily at the Arizona State Hospital in a secure setting, require DHS to study the cost of building or converting a secure facility on ASH grounds, create a study committee on long-term secure mental health facility options, and include an emergency clause. The sponsor said the bill is intended as a temporary fix while the state works toward a permanent secure facility, and noted the individual would receive mental health treatment aimed at restoring competency to stand trial. Members asked about where the person would be housed, whether treatment would be provided, and whether out-of-state compacts might be used if needed.
The group then discussed House Bill 272, which as passed the House would have created an optional state certification program for lactation care providers and a related advisory committee under the Arizona Department of Health Services. Staff reported that the Senate adopted a strike-everything amendment turning the bill into an emergency measure repealing Dr. Cesar Estrada Chavez Day. The sponsor, Representative Fink, was reported to concur with the Senate amendments. No votes were taken during the caucus discussion.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- In Arizona, an emphasis on our water-energy nexus, the emphasis we place on that, and our capabilities
- There are many of these facilities in the world, many of them centered in Arizona.
- We're going to touch on the anticipated growth for that industry in the state of Arizona.
- So I want to put this into a context specifically for the state of Arizona.
- And that means a lot of growth for this industry, specifically in Arizona.
Bills:
SB1041
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, 1182, all
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Please join me in welcoming Mayor Jalen Smith to the Arizona House of Representatives.
- Thank you, Jalen, for all you do, and welcome to the Arizona House. Thank you. Representative Peña.
- Therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, that the members of
- Section 7, Article 2A, A.R.S., by adding something to the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy.
- It gives Arizona communities a tool they can choose to use, or not, completely voluntarily.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several introductions of guests, including two young mayors visiting the chamber. Members then adopted House Resolution 2008 unanimously, honoring Daniel Cade Blackman, with extended remarks from his family and colleagues about his service, faith, and legacy. The House also took up a motion to reconsider SB 1456 from a prior date and proceeded into Committee of the Whole on multiple Senate bills.
In Committee of the Whole, members considered and amended SB 1170, SB 1496, SB 1511, SB 1016, SB 1335, and SB 1683, with each ultimately receiving a do pass recommendation. The discussion included a correction to SB 1170 to remove an unintended section, a municipal improvement district process change in SB 1016, an ag-to-urban water permitting fix in SB 1335, and a land-sale restriction involving China in SB 1683. The committee reports were adopted, and the bills were ordered for third reading as appropriate.
On third and final reading, the House passed SB 1188, SB 1560, and SB 1723, with recorded votes of 38-0-10, 48-2-10, and 51-0-9 respectively. The House also concurred in Senate amendments to HB 2265, HB 2404, HB 2950, and HB 2986, then passed those bills on final reading; members speaking in support highlighted court-fee policy, mental health crisis response, tourism improvement areas, and water infrastructure savings. The chamber then announced a Republican caucus meeting and adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/12/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #26 & #27
Transcript Highlights:
- House, House Bill 2477 conforms Arizona's 529 education savings plan with federal law and allows Arizona
- Chair and members, as passed by the House, House Bill 2729 continues the Arizona State Board of Nursing
- The Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners and the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistance
- It also continues the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy for six years.
- Finance Authority and the Arizona Industrial Development Authority.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/11/2026 - Senate Government
Senate Government Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, Amy Entis with the Arizona Free Enterprise Club in support of 1745 this morning.
- I'm here speaking on behalf of the ACLU of Arizona in opposition to SB 1567. ...Arizona in opposition
- Arizona Women of Action urges the committee to pass this vital measure.
- Arizona Women of Action urges the committee to pass this vital measure. Thank you.
- According to Arizona criminal statutes, it is. I believe the U.S.
Summary:
The committee approved the February 4, 2026 minutes and first held SB 1571. It then heard and advanced SB 1745, which would cap transaction privilege/excise tax rates in cities of 550,000 or more at 2.5% per classification unless voters approve a higher rate, with enforcement through the attorney general and state-shared revenue withholding for violations. Supporters argued it would protect taxpayers and restrain large-city tax increases; the bill was amended with a technical change and passed 4-3. The committee also advanced SB 1686, renaming Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza as the Wesley Bolin and Charlie Kirk Freedom Plaza and authorizing memorial placements for Don Bowles and Charlie Kirk, which passed 4-3.
The committee then took up SB 1567 and SB 1435, both aimed at restricting public entities, schools, and libraries from exposing minors to sexually explicit materials and from using public facilities for sexually explicit filming or access. Supporters said the bills were needed to prevent children from being exposed to pornography and to keep taxpayer resources from facilitating such material; opponents, including the ACLU, warned the definitions were broad, could chill speech, and could criminalize librarians and educators for handling literary or educational works. Both bills were amended and passed 4-3. SB 1435 also drew testimony about library access, sex education, and the risk of overbroad enforcement.
The committee next considered SB 1433 and SB 1434, which would reorganize Maricopa County boundaries. SB 1433 would move portions of Maricopa County into neighboring counties, while SB 1434 would split Maricopa County into three new counties with a transition board and special elections. Supporters argued Maricopa County had become too large and unmanageable and that smaller counties would improve representation and water and regional governance; opponents said the proposals were costly, disruptive, and politically motivated. Both measures received due pass recommendations, with SB 1433 passing 4-3 and SB 1434 passing 4-3 with one not voting. Finally, the committee approved SCR 1024, requiring legislators to live in their district for one year before election, and SCR 1025, moving the legislative session start to the fourth Monday in January; both resolutions passed unanimously or near-unanimously, and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/21/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #19 & #20
Transcript Highlights:
- Whip, members, as passed the House, House Bill 2028 removes an exemption for an application to the Arizona
- prohibits governmental entities, special health care districts, and businesses from requiring an Arizona
- Bullion Depository to store bullion and grants the Arizona State Treasurer operational control, including
- The Arizona Assisted Living Homes Association reached out and asked if we could use this amendment to
- Madam Wippen, members, as passed the House, House Bill 2594 requires Arizona family courts to use an
Summary:
The Republican caucus reviewed a long list of House bills returned from the Senate with amendments, generally asking staff to describe the changes and then confirming whether the sponsor concurred. Many measures were accepted with little or no debate, including bills on tax filing penalties (HB 2016), court-ordered restitution for homeless or indigent defendants (HB 2028), vaccination and mask restrictions (HB 286), bullion investments by the state treasurer (HB 2140), nursing care complaint timelines (HB 2195), privacy protections for county records (HB 2327), cold plunge regulation (HB 2439), medical records access timelines (HB 2557), licensing board procedures (HB 2660), school and public records provisions, AI governance (HB 2592), fingerprint clearance temporary work authorization (HB 2916), development fees (HB 2946), affordability infrastructure districts (HB 2999), distracted driving penalties (HB 2109), health aide scope of practice (HB 2189), eviction record sealing (HB 2244), backyard structure rules in planned communities (HB 2342), inmate transition services (HB 2440), nuclear-ready community designation criteria (HB 2456), address confidentiality protections (HB 2594), groundwater/medical reimbursement changes (HB 2932), traffic citation signature authority (HB 2369), advanced math enrollment (HB 2423), school district training and intervention requirements (HB 2435), job order contracting limits (HB 2482), special education and placement rules (HB 2621), DCS parent rights notice changes (HB 2661), domestic violence expert testimony standards (HB 2662), inmate mental health study committee provisions (HB 2673), legislative subpoena enforcement (HB 2745), ACA trade office oversight (HB 2752), utility reporting changes (HB 2756), Native American language proficiency credit (HB 2895), mental health judicial review timelines (HB 2923), mobile food vendor licensing (HB 2118), medical intervention/school attendance rules (HB 2248), school board finance training (HB 2379), and school board meeting access/video requirements (HB 2380). Sponsors repeatedly stated they concurred with the Senate amendments, and no roll-call votes were taken in the transcript. A few items were set aside or sent back, including HB 2035 and HB 2249, and one bill (HB 2594) was left pending because the sponsor had not yet responded.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, we have Jimmy Arwood, Arizona School Board Association. Mr.
- First we have Kevin McCarthy, Arizona Tax Research Association. Two speakers, Mr. Chair.
- Kevin McCarthy, President of the Arizona Tax Research Association, here in support.
- Arizona School District transactions without a financial, or with and without.
- Chair, first we have Kevin McCarthy, Arizona Tax Research Association. All right.
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several school-related bills, with much of the discussion focused on governance, transparency, and accountability in school districts. House Bill 2318 would impose term limits on school district governing board members in districts with at least 250 students, while allowing county superintendents to appoint a term-limited member to fill a vacancy. Supporters argued it would bring fresh ideas and prevent entrenched leadership; opponents said voters should decide. The bill received a due pass recommendation after a divided roll call.
House Bill 2312 would allow certain patriotic youth groups to address students during school hours and require equal access for those groups in school forums. The sponsor said it was intended to promote programs such as FFA, Scouts, and similar organizations. Some members objected that it would take instructional time and was not truly permissive if access was granted to one group, and the bill nonetheless received a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2320 would require school districts to hire a registered independent municipal advisor before calling a bond election and for each successful bond issue. The sponsor and supporters said this could reduce underwriting fees and save taxpayers money, while some members raised questions about costs if a bond failed and whether the bill should be narrowed; it passed with a due pass recommendation after several members voted present or no.
The committee also approved House Bill 2376, which would bar districts from buying or leasing school property while a charter or private school is still operating there, and House Bill 2378, which tightens conflict-of-interest rules for the School Facilities Oversight Board by barring the architect and engineer members from having school-construction business. Both were framed by the sponsor as responses to concerns raised in Tolleson Union-related testimony and reporting. House Bill 2379, as amended, requires school board members to complete biennial training approved by the Auditor General, to be offered by county superintendents or ADE, with counties able to contract with others; supporters called it needed training, while opponents raised concerns about unfunded mandates, inclusion of ASBA, and charter schools. It received a due pass recommendation. Finally, House Bill 2380 would require board and subcommittee meetings to be held in-district, preserve online access to materials, and require public approval of out-of-state travel, with reimbursement if retroactive approval is denied. Rural districts and others raised concerns about flexibility, executive-session confidentiality, and administrative burden, but the bill was discussed with amendments and public access concerns rather than a final recorded action in the excerpt.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Our great state of Arizona lives up to that promise to the fullest, especially Lake Havasu, which I am
- So please join me in welcoming the March of Dimes to the Arizona Senate. Thank you for being here.
- I am essentially repeating, but piggybacking off of Senator Ortiz’s welcome of the Arizona Education
- SB 1198, Arizona Beef Council continuation.
- SB 1255, Arizona Jazz Day observed, Government.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a prayer by Rabbi Mendel Soup of Lake Havasu and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Senator Carroll, then completed an electronic roll call and approved the journal for January 20, 2026. The chamber recognized several guest groups and visitors, including CRNA Capital Day participants, rural electric cooperative representatives, AEA Retired members, March of Dimes advocates, students and school officials, and other invited guests. Senators used points of personal privilege to highlight the work of these groups and to introduce visitors in the gallery.
The body then read a long list of bills on second reading, covering a wide range of topics including child welfare, public school safety, health insurance, water policy, taxation, housing, elections, public safety, transportation, and abortion-related measures. The Senate also received first-reading introductions and committee referrals for additional bills on subjects such as motor vehicle booting fees, traumatic event counseling, election procedures, assisted living, short-term rentals, and various appropriations and policy changes. No substantive debate or votes on the bills were recorded in the transcript.
After committee reports were noted and the Senate briefly recessed for bill assignments, the chamber returned to order and continued with first reading and reference of more bills and resolutions. At the end of the session, the Majority Whip moved to adjourn, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- The Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry must identify incarcerated veterans
- and collaborate with the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services for secure data sharing to provide
- Hello, I am Nicole Peña, and I am testifying on behalf of Central Arizona Shelter Services.
- At any given time, there are roughly 1,000 homeless veterans in Arizona.
- , or Central Arizona Shelter Services, in a year.
Summary:
The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee heard two veterans-focused bills. HB 2960 would create a Veterans Specialty Court grant program and fund to help cities and counties start, expand, and improve veterans treatment courts, with the Administrative Office of the Courts overseeing best practices, data collection, and reporting. It would also require the Department of Corrections to identify incarcerated veterans and share monthly information with the Department of Veterans’ Services so veterans do not lose contact with benefits and support services. The sponsor and a veteran testifying in support described the bill as a way to address underlying issues such as PTSD, substance use, and reintegration challenges through diversion and treatment rather than punishment.
The committee also heard HB 2620, which would appropriate $300,000 annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services for grants to large emergency shelters serving homeless veterans, including Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). Supporters said the funding would allow shelters to hire dedicated veteran case managers, provide flexible assistance, and move veterans more quickly into permanent housing. A CASS representative and a veteran who had stayed there testified in favor, describing the shelter’s veteran-specific services and the importance of stable, trauma-informed case management.
Both bills received strong support from committee members, many of whom spoke personally about veterans treatment courts and homelessness services. HB 2960 was approved on a 6-0 vote with one member not voting, and HB 2620 was also approved 6-0 with one member not voting, each receiving a do-pass recommendation.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement #2
Transcript Highlights:
- And Attorney General Mays has done a lot for consumers, especially here in Arizona.
- And Attorney General Mays has done a lot for consumers, especially here in Arizona.
- DEA and ATF agents have been understaffed here in the state of Arizona.
- I have an if necessary, Charles Carpenter, with the Industrial Commission of Arizona, neutral.
- My name is Mike Gardner, representative of the Professional Firefighters of Arizona.
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement met and first announced that HB 2691 would be held and not heard further that day. The chair also limited testimony to three speakers for and three against, with two minutes each unless extended by a minority leader. The committee then took up HB 2993, which would allow the Department of Public Safety to spend on legal services independent of the Attorney General and, as amended, redirect $5 million from the Consumer Protection Consumer Fraud Revolving Fund to the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission Fund. Supporters argued the bill would give DPS outside counsel and shift money toward front-line public safety work; opponents said it was political retaliation that would weaken consumer protection enforcement and divert funds from Arizonans who benefit from AG actions. The committee adopted the chairman’s amendment and then approved HB 2993 on an 8-6 vote, with one absent.
The committee next heard HB 2231, a clarifying bill updating the list of cancers covered under the occupational disease presumption for firefighters, peace officers, and fire investigators. The sponsor and firefighter testimony said the bill does not expand benefits but fixes a drafting problem, including a disputed comma that had been used by insurers to challenge claims; the Industrial Commission was listed as neutral if needed. Members discussed whether the presumption is rebuttable and how punctuation affected the statute’s meaning. During roll call, several members explained their votes in favor as a matter of grammar and statutory clarity, and the committee passed HB 2231 by a 14-0 vote with one absent. The meeting then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- John is grateful to call Arizona home and live in this historic time for the country.
- This is currently the Opportunities facing agriculture in Arizona.
- And actually, the state of Arizona already has a process for firearm safety in schools.
- Come on, Arizona. We need to do better. And I hope that everybody votes no on this bill.
- Section 36-612 and 38-1106, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to law enforcement terminations.
Summary:
The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and heard introductions of guests. Members then adopted several procedural motions, including extending the second regular session, suspending the seven-bill limit for Representative Livingston on budget-related measures, and requesting the Senate return SB 1786 on artificial intelligence content verification for reconsideration. The House also moved into Committee of the Whole to consider calendar items.
In Committee of the Whole, the House recommended do pass on SB 1057, SB 1171, SB 1424, and SB 1515, while retaining SB 1178 on the calendar. SB 1171, dealing with fingerprinting and fraud prevention in health and human services, was amended and received supportive comments about accountability and Medicaid fraud. SB 1424, concerning firearm safety instruction in schools, drew extensive debate: a proposed Gutierrez amendment modeled on “Christian’s Law” to require secure firearm storage measures was defeated by division vote 23-31, and the bill itself was defended as age-appropriate firearm safety education while opponents argued it was an unfunded mandate, a parents’ rights issue, and an improper burden on schools. SB 1515, creating a public safety parity fund for DPS and corrections bonuses from rainy-day fund interest, was amended and recommended do pass.
The House then considered an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1552, adopted a floor amendment, and recommended the bill do pass as amended. In third reading, SB 1021 failed 22-35, while SB 1215, SB 1345, SB 1456, and SB 1493 all passed, with SB 1345 drawing a floor explanation about an added regulatory requirement for health care facilities. The House also received first readings of several appropriations bills and announced a special Joint Appropriations Committee hearing on the budget the next morning before adjourning until Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/21/2026 - House Ways & Means
House Ways & Means Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, my name is Patrick Bray, representing the Arizona Farm and Ranch Group.
- Acting Chairman of the Arizona State Board of Equalization. Thank you.
- There was a time where the property tax in Arizona is what I call king tax.
- There was a time where the property tax in Arizona is what I call king tax.
- For the record, my name is Patrick Bray, representing the Arizona Farm and Ranch Group.
Summary:
The committee began with member, page, and staff introductions, then heard reminders about public testimony limits and moved to bills. House Bill 2016 would remove late-filing penalties from taxpayers who owe zero tax. The sponsor argued it was a fairness measure that would spare small businesses and individuals from automatic penalties for paperwork only. Members generally supported the bill, though one member noted the Department of Revenue already has waiver authority and another raised a fiscal-impact question. The bill passed 8-1 with a due pass recommendation; the lone no vote said current law already allows case-by-case waivers and that an automatic exemption could weaken compliance.
The committee then took up House Bill 2104, which would bar county assessors from reclassifying agricultural property for four years after a taxpayer wins an appeal, unless there is a change in use, split, or ownership. The sponsor and supporters from the cattle and farm/ranch community said some owners repeatedly win appeals only to face the same fight the next year, creating unnecessary cost and instability. County Assessor Eddie Cook, speaking for the county assessors, opposed the bill, saying assessors must protect compliance and fairness, that some owners do not meet ag requirements, and that the State Board of Equalization is not the final avenue because further appeals are available. The State Board’s acting chairman said the board is neutral, receives annual training, and applies the law as written. After extensive debate, the bill passed 5-4 with a due pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2105, which would require advance notice of certain property inspections and provide inspection reports to property owners. Supporters said the bill would give owners a chance to be present and better understand why agricultural status was denied, helping avoid disputes before appeals. Assessor Cook opposed the measure, saying assessors already send notices, use door hangers and business cards, and can share inspection information on request, but there is no standard inspection report and the added mailing burden would be costly. Members also raised concerns about the lack of an appropriation and the absence of a standardized form. The bill was moved for a due pass recommendation, but the transcript cuts off before the final roll call result is fully shown.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Please join me in welcoming Mayor Jalen Smith to the Arizona House of Representatives.
- Thank you, Jalen, for all you do, and welcome to the Arizona House. Thank you. Representative Pena.
- Therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, that the members of
- Title 36, Chapter 27, Article 2, by adding something to the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy.
- It gives Arizona communities a tool they can choose to use or not, completely voluntarily.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/19/2026 - House Rural Economic Development
House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- What's the geography of the Northern Arizona Council of Governments?
- All I know for certain is that the legend of the Lost Dutchman is an Arizona treasure of its own and
- So this is going to be hopefully the hub, not only for Douglas, but the whole state of Arizona.
- So just internationally, the state of Arizona is the talk of the town because of Douglas.
- That would be a 50-50 for the state of Arizona. We come in on our side, right?
Summary:
The Rural Economic Development Committee heard presentations focused on district needs and infrastructure priorities in LD7, including a video and testimony on the East Wilford Road Extension in Show Low and Gold Canyon/Lost Dutchman Days. Show Low officials, Navajo County leaders, and the city manager described the road extension as a shovel-ready project that would improve traffic flow, provide a new bridge over Shoal Creek/Show Low Creek designed for a 100-year flood, and create a critical alternate emergency route for evacuations and access to Summit Healthcare. They emphasized past flooding and wildfire evacuation concerns, the project’s regional importance, and the city’s local financial commitment, including $7.56 million already pledged.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1272, which appropriates $5 million from the state general fund in fiscal year 2027 for the state match for the Douglas Port of Entry, contingent on a $678 million federal GSA award. Senator Gallen, Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva, and city staff said the project would support trade with Mexico, create jobs, improve border security, and help modernize port operations; they also noted a September 2026 deadline and that the city has already secured $20 million of the needed $50 million match, with additional funding still being sought. Testimony highlighted the port’s economic impact, the city’s small tax base, and the potential for federal and private investment leverage.
After questions from members about safety, timelines, private participation, and local contributions, the committee voted to return SB 1272 with a due pass recommendation. The motion passed 6-0, with one member absent; Representative Bolt explained his yes vote by citing the bill’s importance to commerce, economic development, and border security.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- They said conform to those; let's add those into Arizona tax law.
- I think that if Arizona adopts them, we should end them in three years also. Okay, Mr.
- But he's a resident of Arizona, Mr. Chair. And Senator Epstein, happy to respond.
- Chair, to you then, so SALT is a conformity item via Arizona tax law.
- We all agree that it's Groundhog Day when it comes to tax conformity here in Arizona.
Bills:
SB1638
Keywords:
taxation, income tax, internal revenue code, deductions, tax benefits, retroactive, standard deduction, 1182, all
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Today, members, we have with us, in celebration of National Women's History Month, members of the Arizona
- Indeed, many Arizona pioneer women were members of BPW.
- Emigelt a Phoenix member was the first woman to run for Congress from Arizona, and that same year Jane
- In 1960, Lorna Lockwood, a Phoenix member, was the first woman elected to the Arizona State Supreme Court
- H.B. 2750, Arizona-Sonora Trade Commission. H.B. 2976, pilot program, sexual abuse prevention.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, electronic roll call, and approval of the March 24, 2026 journal. Several members used points of personal privilege to introduce guests, including visitors from Arizona Business and Professional Women for National Women’s History Month, advocates for women and families, guests connected to Audubon Day and Western Rivers Day, and a guest shadowing a senator who is running for LD17. The remarks highlighted women’s contributions to Arizona history, BPW’s advocacy for pay equity, health care, and equal rights, and the importance of water policy for recreation, tourism, birding, and the state economy.
The chamber also handled routine floor business. Messages from the House were waived from reading, and Senate Bills 1010, 1023, 1029, and 1211 were transmitted to the governor. Second reading was taken up on House Bills 2344, 2375, 2680, 2750, and 2976, covering topics including the local government investment pool, housing and zoning in historic neighborhoods, workers’ compensation notice, the Arizona-Sonora Trade Commission, and a sexual abuse prevention pilot program.
Committee announcements were made for the next day: Judiciary and Elections at 9:00 a.m., Rules at 9:45 a.m., and both Republican and Democratic caucuses at 9:50 a.m. The Senate then adjourned by motion until Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Next speaker is Isela Blanc, with the Arizona Education Association.
- Fanson, and I am here representing the Arizona Citizens Defense League, the Arizona State Rifle and Pistol
- Chair, I would also like to make a point about the cost of firearms legally in Arizona.
- I'm a volunteer attorney with the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice.
- They're probably going to DOC — Arizona Department of Corrections.
Summary:
The committee first considered SB 1422, which would continue the Credit Enhancement Eligibility Board for 10 years. Staff explained that the board supports a credit enhancement program used largely for charter school debt, helping borrowers secure better ratings and lower interest rates. There was no public testimony, and the bill passed with a due pass recommendation by an 8-1 vote.
Members then heard SB 1166, allowing county school superintendents to offer high school equivalency preparation through accommodation schools to students in grades 11 and 12, provided they are at least 16. The Arizona Association of County School Superintendents supported the expansion, but one member opposed lowering eligibility from 12th grade to 11th grade. The bill received a due pass recommendation on an 8-1 vote with one present and two absent.
SB 1684, which would create a cause of action against public schools for failing to address known bullying that leads to serious physical injury, drew strong opposition from school and legal groups. Opponents argued it was constitutionally problematic, overly broad, lacked key definitions, and could create liability for conduct outside a school’s control; supporters emphasized school accountability in serious bullying cases. After testimony, the committee held the bill with objection. The committee also passed SB 1424, requiring annual age-appropriate firearm safety awareness instruction in K-12 schools beginning in 2027-2028, despite opposition from gun-safety advocates and education groups who argued it shifted responsibility from adults to children and schools and was an unfunded mandate. The bill passed 6-5.
Later, SB 1475, barring students with certain criminal convictions or juvenile adjudications from participating in school district-sponsored interscholastic activities, drew opposition from criminal justice advocates and some members who said it was overly punitive and could harm rehabilitation, while supporters argued the offenses were serious and that participation is a privilege. It passed 6-5. SB 1572, requiring Celebrate Freedom Week civics instruction in public schools, also passed 6-5 after members debated whether it duplicated existing civics requirements and whether it imposed new curriculum burdens. Finally, SB 1741, requiring districts and charters to allow release-time religious instruction and award credit under certain conditions, was presented and opposed by a secular education advocate who argued it undermined local control and could lead to legal and academic problems; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Matthew's United Methodist Church, Mesa, Arizona, and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to
- I look forward to their working to come to the state of Arizona, and thank you.
- SB 1198: Arizona Beach Council continuation. Natural resources.
- SB 1132: appropriation, Arizona State Hospital. SB 1133: candidate financial disclosures.
- SB 1132: appropriation, Arizona State Hospital.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established attendance, approved the prior journal, and welcomed several guests, including the Doctor of the Day, a student shadowing a senator, representatives from Republic Services, and visitors from Copper Valley Energy. Senators also announced administrative deadlines, including extensions for opening Senate folders and for Senate bill introduction preparation, with the bill introduction deadline set for February 2.
The main floor business was the reading and reference of a large number of Senate bills and resolutions across many subject areas, including education, government, appropriations, natural resources, health and human services, finance, judiciary and elections, and military affairs and border security. The calendar also included second-reading placement for another large group of bills covering topics such as firearms, behavioral health, family courts, insurance, water, taxation, public safety, and elections. No substantive debate or votes on the merits of the measures occurred during this portion beyond the procedural reading and referral of the bills.
Standing committee reports were accepted without being read, and committee announcements were made for upcoming meetings of Government, Health and Human Services, Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency, Education, Judiciary and Elections, and Public Safety. The Senate then adjourned on motion until Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.