2023 Key Bills & Issues Archive

Sponsor

Rep. Timothy M. Dunn (R)

Summary

For FY2023-24, FY2024-25, and FY2025-26, if a community college district exceeds its expenditure limitation prescribed in the state Constitution, the district will have specified amounts of state aid withheld based on the percentage of the limitation that the excess expenditures equal. Retroactive to July 1, 2022.

Comment

1/23/23 EW recommends support

2/3/23 PA approved supporting

Sponsor

Rep. Selina  Bliss (R)

Summary

The repeal date for the Acute Care Services At Home Pilot Program is extended two years to January 1, 2027.

Comment

1/24/23 IH recommends support

2/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-04-13 G – Transmit to Governor

Sponsor

Rep. Selina  Bliss (R)

Summary

A person seeking a building permit for six or more residences within an active management area in an unincorporated area of a county is required to obtain a certificate of assured water supply from the Department of Water Resources before presenting the permit application for approval to the county. Does not apply if the applicant has obtained a written commitment of water service for the residences from a municipal or private water company designated as having an assured water supply.

Comment

1/12/23 Added to AEW tracking 1/18/23 AEW recommends supporting 1/20/22 PA approved support

Last Action

2023-01-18 H – Hearing Scheduled – 01/18/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    01/18/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. Selina  Bliss (R)

Summary

The court is authorized to adjust the period of a probationer’s supervised probation for work time credit, which equals 30 days for every 30 days that a probationer is engaged in “eligible employment” (defined as an occupation or occupations with at least 130 documented wage-earning hours in any 30-day period). Establishes documentation and verification requirements for the employment. The court or a probation officer may allow a defendant to fulfill a reporting requirement through remote reporting. Effective January 1, 2024. AS PASSED HOUSE

Comment

1/17/23 Added to LRR tracking 2/6/23 LRR recommends support 2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-04-13 G – Signed

Sponsor

Rep. Travis  Grantham (R)

Summary

School districts, school district schools, and charter schools are allowed to satisfy any statutory requirement to post, display, or include specified information on their websites by making a link to that information available on their home page. School districts, school district schools, and charter schools are allowed to consolidate all information on a single webpage and are not required to post the information on the home page. AS PASSED HOUSE

Comment

2/20/23 EW recommends support

3/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-14 S – Senate Majority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Rep. David  Livingston (R)

Summary

In determining the validity of claims for unemployment insurance benefits, the Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADES) is prohibited from paying benefits for an initial or ongoing claim until the initial claim is cross-checked, or an ongoing claim is cross-checked on a weekly basis, against a list of data sets, including new hire reporting systems and death records databases. If a cross-check results in information indicating that a claim is ineligible or fraudulent, that claim cannot be paid, and the claimant must be disqualified from receiving benefits and referred for prosecution. To qualify for benefits, an individual is required to conduct at least five work search actions each week and to provide a weekly report to ADES that details the work search actions. Employers are required to report to ADES when an individual who was previously employed with that employer refuses to return to work or accept an offer of suitable work, fails to appear for a scheduled interview, or fails to respond to an offer of employment. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

1/23/23 EW recommends support

2/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-04-11 H – House Minority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Rep. Timothy M. Dunn (R)

Summary

Schools, school boards, executive boards, and municipalities are required to provide for an amount of seating sufficient to accommodate the reasonably anticipated attendance of all persons desiring to attend the deliberations and proceedings, when feasible. Does not require a public body to relocate a meeting outside of the largest regular meeting room. Except for a meeting through technological devices, the agenda for a public meeting is required to include notice of the time that the public will have physical access to the meeting place. AS PASSED HOUSE

Comment

3/31/23 PA approved supporting S/E language

Last Action

2023-04-03 H – Hearing Scheduled – 04/04/2023 – Caucus, Floor    04/04/2023  – Caucus, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. Justin  Wilmeth (R)

Summary

The statutory life of the Office of Economic Opportunity is extended four years to July 1, 2027. Retroactive to July 1, 2023. Also makes various changes to statutes related to the Board of Directors of the Industrial Development Authority. AS PASSED HOUSE

Comment

1/23/23 EW recommends support

2/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-04-11 S – PASSED – Senate Motion to Reconsider Third  – Senate Motion to Reconsider Third

Sponsor

Rep. Justin  Wilmeth (R)

Summary

The Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) is required to provide an inmate who is discharged from imprisonment for a felony offense and who intends to reside in Arizona with relevant documentation to assist the inmate in obtaining postrelease employment, including coordinating with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to provide the inmate with a nonoperating identification license or replace the inmate’s driver license or nonoperating identification license, if applicable. ADOT is required to allow copies of birth certificates along with ADC record cards to serve as valid forms of photo identification to obtain a license. ADC is required to provide an inmate with a list of documentation, including a copy of the inmate’s work record and a resume that includes any trade learned by the inmate. AS PASSED HOUSE

Comment

1/17/23 LRR recommends supporting

1/20/23 PA approved support

Last Action

2023-02-28 H – Hearing Scheduled – 02/28/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    02/28/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. Neal  Carter (R)

Summary

For the purpose of Title 42 (Taxation), the definition of “Internal Revenue Code” is updated to mean the U.S. Internal Revenue Code in effect as of January 1, 2023. For the purpose of Title 43 (Taxation of Income), the definition of “Internal Revenue Code” for tax year 2023 means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code in effect on January 1, 2023.

Comment

1/17/23 BT recommends support

1/20/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-02-14 H – House Majority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Rep. Justin  Wilmeth (R)

Summary

An agency is prohibited from denying a regular occupational license or a provisional occupational license to an otherwise qualified applicant who has been convicted of a felony offense other than a dangerous crime against children, or a serious or violent or aggravated felony. The Fingerprinting Division of the Arizona Department of Public Safety is required to issue a fingerprint clearance card to an applicant who is applying for a card for the purpose of obtaining a license under Title 32 (Professions and Occupations) if the person’s criminal history record does not contain any of a specified list of offenses.

Comment

1/17/23 LRR recommends support

1/20/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-30 S – DISC/HELD – Senate Judiciary  – Senate Judiciary

Sponsor

Rep. Gail  Griffin (R)

Summary

The statutory life of the Arizona Navigable Stream Adjudication Commission is extended four years to July 1, 2028.

Comment

1/18/23 AEW recommends support

1/20/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-04-13 G – Transmit to Governor

Sponsor

Rep. Teresa  Martinez (R)

Summary

Appropriates $360 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to widen Interstate 10 between Chandler and Casa Grande. ADOT is required to use the monies for construction-related activities, including drawing down federal matching monies for the project.

Comment

1/24/23 TI recommends support

2/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-01-23 H – Hearing Scheduled – 01/23/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    01/23/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. Ben  Toma (R)

Summary

The legislative body of a municipality is allowed by ordinance to: authorize administrative personnel to review and approve site plans, development plans, preliminary plats or final plats without a public hearing; authorize administrative personnel to review and approve design review plans based on objective standards without a public hearing; adopt a self-certification program allowing registered architects and professional engineers to certify and be responsible for compliance with all applicable ordinances and construction standards for certain projects; allow at-risk submittals for certain on-site preliminary grading or drainage work; and allow applicants with a history of compliance with building codes and regulations to be eligible for expedited permit review.

Comment

2/6/23 LRR recommends support

2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-28 S – Senate Majority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Rep. Kevin  Payne (R)

Summary

In any year in which the Governor has initially declared a state of war emergency or state of emergency for a public health emergency, the State Treasurer is prohibited from withholding any amount from the Arizona Convention Center Development Fund from an eligible city for that year. In conducting the analysis or estimate of the economic impact of any project eligible for monies from the Fund in subsequent years following the emergency declaration, the Auditor General is required to assume that the eligible city satisfied the minimum required attendance in the year of the emergency declaration and the year following that declaration, and that the incremental revenues to the general fund in any year of the initial emergency declaration and the year following that declaration at least equaled the amount of distributions by the state. Retroactive to January 1, 2020.

Comment

2/6/23 BT recommends support

2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-08 S – Transmit to Senate

Sponsor

Rep. Alma  Hernandez (D)

Summary

Appropriates $30 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to the Department of Economic Security to provide child care assistance.

Comment

2/20/23 EW recommends support

3/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-02-09 H – Referred to Committee – Appropriations – House Appropriations  – House Appropriations

Sponsor

Rep. Michele  Pena (R)

Summary

By March 1, 2024, the Arizona Area Health Education System (AAHES) is required to establish a program for qualifying community health centers and rural health clinics that supports and expands the number of primary care residency positions, provides support and technical assistance for starting or expanding primary care residency programs in rural areas and health professional shortage areas, and provides training and technical assistance to support the success of qualifying community health center and rural health clinic primary care residency programs. Appropriates $5 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to the AAHES for these purposes. Appropriates $5 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Administration for the direct and indirect costs of primary care graduate medical education at qualifying community health centers and rural health clinics.

Comment

2/20/23 IH recommends support

3/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-28 S – DPA   – Senate Appropriations  – Senate Appropriations

Sponsor

Rep. Michael  Carbone (R)

Summary

Deletes the $100 million aggregate maximum amount on payments to all counties and municipalities to reimburse the cost of public infrastructure improvements for the benefit of a manufacturing facility.

Comment

2/21/23 TI recommends support

3/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-28 S – DP   – Senate Appropriations  – Senate Appropriations

Sponsor

Rep. Gail  Griffin (R)

Summary

The Legislature urges the U.S. Congress to appropriate monies to the State of Arizona to eradicate salt cedars from Arizona waterways. The Legislature urges the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop innovative solutions to control the proliferation of salt cedars. The Secretary of State is directed to transmit copies of this memorial to the President of the U.S., the President of the U.S. Senate, the Speaker of the U.S. House, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and each member of Congress from Arizona.

Comment

1/18/23 AEW recommends support

1/20/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-04-13 S – DP – Senate Committee of the Whole  – Senate Committee of the Whole

Sponsor

Rep. David L. Cook (R)

Summary

The Legislature authorizes school districts to spend local revenues in the amount of $1,385,809,642 in excess of the expenditure limitation prescribed pursuant to the state Constitution in FY2022-23. This authorization is effective only on the approval of this resolution by at least 2/3 of the membership of each house of the Legislature by roll call vote on or before March 1, 2023. AS SENT TO SECRETARY OF STATE

Comment

1/23/23 EW recommend support

2/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-02-09 G – Transmit to Secretary of State

Sponsor

Rep. Matt  Gress (R)

Summary

The Legislature authorizes school districts to spend local revenues in the amount of $1,385,809,642 in excess of the expenditure limitation prescribed pursuant to the state Constitution in FY2022-23. This authorization is effective only on the approval of this resolution by at least 2/3 of the membership of each house of the Legislature by roll call vote on or before March 1, 2023.

Comment

1/23/23 EW recommends supporting

2/3/23 PA approved support

Last Action

2023-01-11 H – Hearing Scheduled – 01/10/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    01/10/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. Gail  Griffin (R)

Summary

The members of the Legislature continue the tradition of leadership and support for appropriate water management practices and policies that protect property and water rights and that provide for the continued safety and prosperity of the State of Arizona. AS PASSED HOUSE

Comment

1/18/23 AEW recommends supporting

1/20/23 PA approved support

Last Action

2023-04-13 S – DP – Senate Committee of the Whole  – Senate Committee of the Whole

Sponsor

Rep. Gail  Griffin (R)

Summary

The members of the Legislature recognize the importance of raising the height of Bartlett Dam and preventing sediment buildup in the Horseshoe Reservoir, and support the U.S. Congress providing funding to conduct a feasibility study for increasing the height of Bartlett Dam.

Comment

1/18/23 AEW recommends support

1/20/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-01-23 H – Hearing Scheduled – 01/23/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    01/23/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. David  Marshall, Sr. (R)

Summary

The 2024 general election ballot is to carry the question of whether to amend the state Constitution to require statewide initiative measures to obtain signatures from 10 percent of the voters from each legislative district, instead of from the entire state, for a statewide measure, and from 15 percent of the voters of each legislative district, instead of from the entire state, for an amendment to the state Constitution.

Comment

2/8/23 Added to PA based on mirror bills, support

Last Action

2023-02-13 H – Hearing Scheduled – 02/16/2023, 10:00 AM – House MOE, HHR 1    02/16/2023 10:00 AM – House MOE, HHR 1

Sponsor

Rep. Matt  Gress (R)

Summary

The 2024 general election ballot is to carry the question of whether to amend the state Constitution to declare that the regulation of employee benefits is of statewide concern and not subject to further regulation by a municipality or other political subdivision. Does not affect the authority of a county or municipality to set wages or benefits for county or municipal employees or limit a county’s or municipality’s authority to enter into contracts for personal services.

Comment

2/8/23 Added to EW tracking

2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-27 H – DPA – House Committee of the Whole  – House Committee of the Whole

Sponsor

Sen. John  Kavanagh (R)

Summary

Appropriates $2.43 million in FY2023-24 and $2.48 million in FY2024-25 from the Nuclear Emergency Management Fund for use by the Division of Emergency Management of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs and the Arizona Department of Agriculture for programs to implement the State Off-Site Nuclear Emergency Response Plan. Assesses those same amounts in those fiscal years against each consortium of public service corporations and municipal corporations engaged in constructing or operating a commercial nuclear generating station in Arizona. Emergency clause.

Comment

1/18/23 AEW recommends support

1/20/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-28 H – House Majority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Sen. Thomas “T.J.” Shope (R)

Summary

An entity that offers, issues, or provides an individual or group health benefits plan that provide mental health services or benefits is required to provide reimbursement for services or benefits that are delivered through the psychiatric collaborative care model, including a list of specified billing codes. The entity may deny reimbursement on the grounds of medical necessity if specified conditions are met.

Comment

Last Action

2023-02-28 S – Senate Minority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Sen. Thomas “T.J.” Shope (R)

Summary

Appropriates $360 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to widen Interstate 10 between Chandler and Casa Grande. ADOT is required to use the monies for construction-related activities, including drawing down federal matching monies for the project. ADOT is prohibited from accepting federal monies if the acceptance is conditioned on the design and construction of a bicycle path or pedestrian walkway as a component of the project. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

1/24/23 TI recommends supporting

2/3/23 PA approved support

Last Action

2023-03-29 H – DISC/HELD – House Transportation & Infrastructure  – House Transportation & Infrastructure

Sponsor

Sen. Thomas “T.J.” Shope (R)

Summary

The statutory life of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is extended six years to July 1, 2029. Retroactive to July 1, 2023.

Comment

1/23/23 IH recommends supporting

2/3/23 PA approve support

Last Action

2023-04-04 S – Senate Majority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Sen. Thomas “T.J.” Shope (R)

Summary

For FY2023-24, FY2024-25, and FY2025-26, if a community college district exceeds its expenditure limitation prescribed in the state Constitution, the district will have specified amounts of state aid withheld based on the percentage of the limitation that the excess expenditures equal. Retroactive to July 1, 2022.

Comment

1/23/23 EW recommends support

2/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-01-18 S – Introduced

Sen. Frank Carroll (R)

Summary: If approved by the voters at a countywide election, beginning January 1, 2026, a county with a population of 3 million or more persons (Maricopa County) is required to levy a tax of up to ten percent of the transaction privilege tax rate as of January 1, 1990. The tax levied will be in effect for 20 years. Specifies the distribution of net revenues from the tax levy, with 40.5 percent of revenues distributed to the Regional Area Road Fund for freeways and other routes in the state highway system, 22.5 percent of revenues distributed to the Regional Area Road Fund for major arterial streets, and 37 percent to the Public Transportation Fund for capital costs, maintenance, and operation of public transportation mode classifications and capital costs and utility relocation costs associated with the light rail system. Caps the amount of excise tax monies distributed to the Public Transportation Fund that may be used for light rail capital rehabilitation at 3.5 percent. Excise tax revenues are prohibited from being used for any light rail, commuter rail, streetcar, or trolley extension, any project that results in a reduction in existing lane miles on a highway or street, with some exceptions. Prohibits public monies from being used to extend light rail service to the area within 50 linear yards of the state capital complex. Beginning January 1, 2026, a regional public transportation authority is established in a county with a population of 3 million or more persons that approves a county transportation excise tax. Beginning in FY2026-27, the regional public transportation authority is required to conduct a farebox recovery audit of operating costs and revenues for all public transportation during the previous fiscal year. Audit requirements are specified. Requires the annual farebox recovery ratio to achieve specified percentages, or the excess costs will be allocated between the affected jurisdictions according to the proportion of service in that jurisdiction that falls below the required percentage. Modifies county transportation policy committee membership. The speed limit for all types of motor vehicles is at least 65 miles per hour on the interstate system highways located in a county that has a population of 3 million or more persons, with some exceptions. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

Comment: Support

Sponsor

Sen. Warren  Petersen (R)

Summary

The legislative body of a county or municipality is allowed by ordinance to: authorize administrative personnel to review and approve site plans, development plans, land divisions, preliminary plats, final plats, and plat amendments without a public hearing; authorize administrative personnel to review and approve design review plans based on “objective” (defined) standards without a public hearing; adopt a self-certification program allowing registered architects and professional engineers to certify and be responsible for compliance with all applicable ordinances and construction standards for certain projects; allow at-risk submittals for certain on-site preliminary grading or drainage work; and allow applicants with a history of compliance with building codes and regulations to be eligible for expedited permit review. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

Comment

2/6/23 LRR recommends support

2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-03 G – Signed

Sponsor

Sen. Wendy  Rogers (R)

Summary

For tax years beginning with 2024, establishes an individual and corporate income tax credit for a portion of a taxpayer’s increased hourly labor costs that results from paying a local minimum wage that is more than the state minimum wage. The amount of the credit is ten percent of the difference between the amount of hourly labor costs the employer actually paid to employees and the product of the total number of hours worked by all employees during the taxable year multiplied by the state minimum wage. Requirements to qualify for the credit are specified. If the allowable credit exceeds taxes due, the unused amount may be carried forward for up to five consecutive tax years. Each month the State Treasurer is required to withhold from a municipality an amount equal to 1/12 of the total amount of credits claimed for the prior taxable year by taxpayer’s located in that municipality from the municipality’s distribution of state shared revenues. Some exceptions. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

2/6/23 BT recommends support

2/17/23 PA approved support

Last Action

2023-03-29 H – FAILED   – House Ways & Means  – House Ways & Means

Sponsor

Sen. Steve  Kaiser (R)

Summary

Minor change in Title 9 (Cities and Towns) related to municipal platting. Apparent striker bus.

Comment

2/3/23 – Added to LRR – Housing Striker

2/6/23 LRR recommends supporting housing striker

2/17/23 PA approved supporting conditionally with amendments that are to come

Last Action

2023-03-14 S – PASSED – Senate Motion to Reconsider Third  – Senate Motion to Reconsider Third

Sponsor

Sen. Warren  Petersen (R)

Summary

Before adopting any zoning ordinance or zoning ordinance text amendment of general applicability, a municipal legislative body is required to consider a housing impact statement regarding the impact of the zoning ordinance. Information that must be included in the impact statement is listed. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

2/3/23 – added to LRR – property rights/zoning striker

2/6/23 LRR recommends supporting the striker

2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-04-10 H – RET ON CAL – House Committee of the Whole  – House Committee of the Whole

Sponsor

Sen. Steve  Kaiser (R)

Summary

If the court imposes a term of probation, the court is authorized to require the defendant to report to a probation officer. The court or the defendant’s probation officer may allow the defendant to fulfill a reporting requirement through remote reporting. The court is authorized to adjust the period of a probationer’s supervised probation on the recommendation of an adult probation officer for work time credit. Work time credit equals 30 days for every 30 days that a probationer is engaged in “eligible employment” (defined). Requirements for documenting and verifying eligible employment are specified. Effective January 1, 2024. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

2/6/23 LRR recommends support

2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-04-04 H – House Minority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Sen. Steve  Kaiser (R)

Summary

The Industrial Commission is required to establish a fraud unit to investigate fraudulent activities or statements made in connection with workers’ compensation claims. The Commission is required to adopt rules to establish a process for receiving fraud complaints and conducting fraud investigations, and provisions that must be included in the rules are listed. If, on investigation, the fraud unit is satisfied that fraudulent activities or statements were made, the fraud unit may report violations of the law to the reporting employer, self-insured employer, or insurance carrier, to the appropriate licensing agency, and to the appropriate county attorney or the Attorney General for prosecution. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

1/23/23 EW recommends support

2/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-04-10 H – DPA – House Committee of the Whole  – House Committee of the Whole

Sponsor

Sen. J.D.  Mesnard (R)

Summary

For the purpose of Title 42 (Taxation), the definition of “Internal Revenue Code” is updated to mean the U.S. Internal Revenue Code in effect as of January 1, 2023. For the purpose of Title 43 (Taxation of Income), the definition of “Internal Revenue Code” for tax year 2023 means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code in effect on January 1, 2023. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

Comment

1/20/23 Added to BT & PA (companion to HB 2383)

1/20/23 PA approved support

Last Action

2023-03-03 G – Signed

Sponsor

Sen. Ken  Bennett (R)

Summary

The basic actual full-time equivalent student enrollment at universities under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) will be counted on the 21st day after classes begin for the fall and spring semesters, instead of on the 45th day after classes begin. Also changes the due dates for various reports that ABOR is required to submit to the Legislature.

Comment

2/20/23 EW recommends support

3/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-04-04 H – Hearing Scheduled – 04/05/2023 – Third Reading, Floor    04/05/2023  – Third Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Sen. Ken  Bennett (R)

Summary

Schools that provide Arizona online instruction are required to ensure that each participating student receives the minimum instructional time or instructional hours, and are no longer required to maintain a daily log of each student’s time spent on instruction. Schools that provide Arizona online instruction are authorized to adopt an instructional time model to meet the minimum annual instructional time and instructional hours requirements, and are authorized to use any method consistent with statute to determine the number of instructional hours provided to each student for average daily membership calculations. A student enrolled full-time or part-time in Arizona online instruction will be funded in the same manner as funding provided for a student in a remote setting, instead of funded at specified percentages of the base support level that would be calculated if that student were enrolled in a school district or charter school.

Comment

2/20/23 EW recommends support

3/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-20 S – PASSED – Senate Motion to Reconsider Third  – Senate Motion to Reconsider Third

Sponsor

Sen. Ken  Bennett (R)

Summary

Appropriates $3 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) to administer a grant program charged with cultivating STEM learning and STEM workforce development opportunities in Arizona, with priority given to “rural areas” (defined). The legislature intends that the appropriation be considered ongoing funding in future years. By December 31, 2023, the ACA is required to report to the Legislature on distribution of grant monies. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

2/20/23 EW recommends support

3/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-21 H – Hearing Scheduled – 03/21/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    03/21/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Sen. J.D.  Mesnard (R)

Summary

The list of authorized forms for escrow deposits is expanded to include “distributed ledger technology” (defined) transfers within or among a secure network of federally insured depository institutions where disbursements are recorded on a ledger and securely deposited in an escrow agent’s depository account. Requirements for distributed ledger technology transfer escrow deposits are specified. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

2/6/23 BT recommends support

2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-04-11 H – Hearing Scheduled – 04/12/2023 – Third Reading, Floor    04/12/2023  – Third Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Sen. J.D.  Mesnard (R)

Summary

The tax rate on Arizona small business taxable income is reduced to 2.5 percent for tax years beginning with 2023, instead of 2025. Previously, the tax rate was 2.8 percent for tax years 2023 and 2024. Retroactive to tax years beginning with 2023.

Comment

2/6/23 BT recommends support

2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-04-12 G – Transmit to Governor

Sponsor

Sen. J.D.  Mesnard (R)

Summary

Personal property used in a trade or business and personal property used for agricultural purposes that is not centrally assessed property is exempt from taxation, instead of only being exempt for up to a maximum amount of $207,366. Personal property that is devoted to any commercial or industrial use and that is not included in another property tax classification is removed from the list of property classified as class one for property tax purposes. Personal property that is not included in another property tax classification is removed from the list of property classified as class two for property tax purposes. Various specified types of personal property are removed from the lists of property classified as class one, two, four, six, and seven for property tax purposes. Repeals statutes providing valuation guidelines for various types of personal property subject to property taxes. Applies to tax years beginning with 2024. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

2/6/23 BT recommends support

2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-02-28 H – Hearing Scheduled – 02/28/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    02/28/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Sen. J.D.  Mesnard (R)

Summary

Reduces the assessed valuation of class one property to 16 percent of the full cash value or limited valuation for 2024 and 15 percent of the full cash value or limited valuation beginning January 1, 2025, instead of 16.5 percent for 2024, 16 percent for 2025, 15.5 percent for 2026, and 15 percent beginning January 1, 2027. Establishes a new table of depreciated values for personal property initially classified before tax year 2022 as certain types of class one, two, or six property. Apples to tax years beginning with 2024.

Comment

1/30/23 Added to BT tracking

2/6/23 BT recommends support

2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-08 H – DP   – House Ways & Means  – House Ways & Means

Sponsor

Sen. Steve  Kaiser (R)

Summary

The Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) is required to provide an inmate who is discharged from imprisonment for a felony offense and who intends to reside in Arizona with relevant documentation to assist the inmate in obtaining postrelease employment, including coordinating with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to provide the inmate with a nonoperating identification license or replace the inmate’s driver license or nonoperating identification license, if applicable. ADOT is required to allow copies of birth certificates along with ADC record cards to serve as valid forms of photo identification to obtain a license. ADC is required to provide an inmate with a list of documentation, including a copy of the inmate’s work record and a resume that includes any trade learned by the inmate. Effective January 1, 2024. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

1/30/23 Added to LRR & PA tracking Supportive based on mirror bill HB 2252

Last Action

2023-04-12 G – Transmit to Governor

Sponsor

Sen. Janae  Shamp (R)

Summary

Adds a new article to Title 32 (Professions and Occupations) establishing an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) compact, which allows licensed nurse to apply for an APRN multistate license. All party states to the compact are required to participate in a coordinate licensure information system to assist in the coordinated administration of APRN licensure and enforcement efforts. The party states establish a joint public agency known as the Interstate Commission of APRN Compact Administrators. Powers and duties of the Commission are specified, including a rulemaking process. Establishes procedures for oversight, dispute resolution, and enforcement. The compact becomes effective when it is enacted into law in seven party states. Provides for withdrawal from the compact, amendments to the compact, and construction of the compact. The compact does not supersede state law related to APRN scope of practice, and the Commission does not have the authority to alter the APRN scope of practice. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

1/30/23 Added to IH tracking

3/17/23 PA approved support position

Last Action

2023-04-06 H – DP – House Committee of the Whole  – House Committee of the Whole

Sponsor

Sen. Ken  Bennett (R)

Summary

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) is required to establish a Transportation Funding Pilot Program to provide per pupil weighted transportation funding to school districts that participate in the program. ADE is required to establish policies and procedures for school districts to apply to participate in the program. During any year in which a school district participates in the program, the school district is prohibited from including the transportation revenue control limit in its revenue control limit, and from including the transportation support level in its district support level. ADE is required to develop support level weights for transportation costs that exceed basic per pupil funding. Appropriates $50 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to ADE for the Program.

Comment

2/20/23 EW recommends supporting

3/3/23 PA approved opposition to the amendment of the bill.

Last Action

2023-02-21 S – Senate Majority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Sen. Sine  Kerr (R)

Summary

Various changes to statutes relating to the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA). WIFA is not a public service corporation subject to regulation by the Arizona Corporation Commission. The WIFA Board is authorized to prescribe the terms and conditions of the Director’s and staff’s employment as necessary, and is required to adopt written policies and guidelines regarding employee compensation and leave. WIFA employees may participate in the Arizona State Retirement System. The definition of “eligible entity” for loans from the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund is modified to mean a water provider that distributes or sells water outside of the boundaries of an initial active management area in which part of the Central Arizona Project aqueduct is located, instead of outside of the boundaries of an active management area located in Maricopa, Pima, or Pinal County. More. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

1/31/23 Added to AEW tracking Added to PA tracking, support

Last Action

2023-03-21 H – House Majority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Sen. Sine  Kerr (R)

Summary

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is exempt from the prohibition on employing legal counsel or making an expenditure for legal services other than the Attorney General. ADEQ is authorized to employ attorneys to represent ADEQ.

Comment

3/31/23 PA approved supporting the S/E language

Last Action

2023-03-28 H – DPA/SE   – House Natural Resources, Energy & Water  – House Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Sponsor

Sen. Justine  Wadsack (R)

Summary

A community college district’s (CCD’s) “noncredit workforce training” full-time equivalent student enrollment is added to the calculation for the CCD’s total full-time equivalent student enrollment used to determine state aid and the CCD’s expenditure limitation. Establishes requirements for a noncredit workforce training or career and technical education course that is offered by a community college for contact hours instead of credit hours. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

3/17/23 PA approved support position for striker language

Last Action

2023-04-11 H – House Minority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Sen. J.D.  Mesnard (R)

Summary

Corrections to the tax code as recommended by the Arizona Department of Revenue and Legislative Council. Changes are for clarification or to blend conflicting statutes and are not intended to be substantive. 21 pages. An annual exercise. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

Comment

2/6/23 BT recommends support

2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-28 G – Signed

Sponsor

Sen. Ken  Bennett (R)

Summary

Establishes the state student funding formula for school districts that elect to use it. Each school district that uses the state student funding formula and each charter school will calculate the base support level as already prescribed in statute, and add the base support level to state additional assistance. The amount of state additional assistance is $2,025.29 per student count in preschool programs for students with disabilities, kindergarten programs, and grades 1 through 8, and $2,360.44 per student count in grades 9 through 12. For charter schools, the base support level is the equalization assistance for the charter school. A school district that provides instruction to students in any combination of kindergarten programs and grades 1 through 12 is authorized to elect to use the state student funding formula to determine the school district’s support level if the district does not have an override in place and either does not owe any debt service payment on any class A or class B bond, or has four or fewer remaining fiscal years in which it is scheduled to make payments on any class A or class B bond. If the estimated total school district primary property tax rate will be greater than the prior year when electing to use the state student funding formula, the school district governing board is required to submit the question of whether to use the formula to the voters. A school district that is using the state student funding formula is prohibited from using any other source of property tax-generated funding, from receiving any funding from the Arizona Department of Administration Division of School Facilities or the School Facilities Oversight Board, and from receiving district additional assistance. Establishes a calculation for school district property tax levies in districts that use the state student funding formula and establishes the qualifying tax rates in tax year 2023 for school districts that elect to use the state student funding formula. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

2/20/23 EW recommends support

3/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-21 H – Hearing Scheduled – 03/21/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    03/21/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Sen. Steve  Kaiser (R)

Summary

Increases the maximum aggregate amount of tax credits for increased research activities to $10 million, from $5 million, in any calendar year. The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) may approve a portion of the unused balance of income tax credits for increased research activities for reinvestment for sustainability or water capital projects, a capital expenditure project between the taxpayer and an institution of higher learning or a Career Technical Education District (CTED), or a workforce development project between the taxpayer and an institution of higher learning or a CTED. The amount of the income tax credit reinvestment is $0.75 per dollar of unused credit, not to exceed $10 million per year per applicant or the applicant’s current unused balance of unused credits, whichever is less. The maximum aggregate of income tax credit reinvestments the ACA may approve is limited to $50 million in any fiscal year. The reinvestment provisions self-repeal on July 1, 2033. Appropriates $50.075 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to the ACA to implement and administer the reinvestment of the credits. Retroactive to July 1, 2023.

Comment

2/6/23 BT recommends support

2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-21 S – FAILED   – Senate Third Reading  – Senate Third Reading

Sponsor

Sen. Steve  Kaiser (R)

Summary

Establishes the Dual Enrollment Incentive Program within the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to provide an incentive bonus to teachers, school districts and charter schools for students who obtain a passing grade in a qualifying dual enrollment course. Establishes bonus requirements and amounts. Appropriates $5 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to the newly established Dual Enrollment Incentive Fund. Appropriates $500,000 from the general fund in FY2023-24 to the newly established Dual Enrollment Development Fund to provide incentive bonuses to teachers who provide instruction in at least one dual enrollment course. Appropriates $15 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to the newly established Dual Enrollment Student Fund to provide financial assistance to students who pass a qualifying dual enrollment course and meet other specified criteria. Appropriates $5 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to the Program. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

1/31/23 Added to EW & PA tracking

2/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-22 H – Transmit to House

Sponsor

Sen. Steve  Kaiser (R)

Summary

Changes the allocation of the state ceiling by allocating 20 percent, instead of 30 percent, to projects that are designated at the sole discretion of the Director of the Arizona Finance Authority; 30 percent, instead of 35 percent, to qualified mortgage revenue bonds and qualified mortgage credit certificate programs; 40 percent, instead of 15 percent, to qualified residential rental projects; 5 percent, instead of 10 percent, to all projects financable through the issuance of bonds and that require an allocation of state ceiling; and by eliminating the 5 percent allocation to qualified student loan projects. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

1/31/23 Added to BT tracking

3/31/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-28 H – House Minority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Sen. Anthony  Kern (R)

Summary

The 2024 general election ballot is to carry the question of whether to amend the state Constitution to require approval by 60 percent of the votes cast on the measure for an initiative or referendum measure that amends the state Constitution to become law, instead of a majority of the votes cast.

Comment

1/17/23 LRR recommends support

1/20/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-29 H – DPA/SE   – House Municipal Oversight & Elections  – House Municipal Oversight & Elections

Sponsor

Sen. Ken  Bennett (R)

Summary

The Legislature authorizes school districts to spend local revenues in the amount of $1,385,809,642 in excess of the expenditure limitation prescribed pursuant to the state Constitution in FY2022-23. This authorization is effective only on the approval of this resolution by at least 2/3 of the membership of each house of the Legislature by roll call vote on or before March 1, 2023.

Comment

1/24/23 Added to PA tracking

2/3/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-02-08 S – PASSED – Senate Miscellaneous Motion  – Senate Miscellaneous Motion

Sponsor

Sen. J.D.  Mesnard (R)

Summary

The 2024 general election ballot is to carry the question of whether to amend the state Constitution to require statewide initiative measures to obtain signatures from 10 percent of the voters from each legislative district, instead of from the entire state, for a statewide measure, and from 15 percent of the voters of each legislative district, instead of from the entire state, for an amendment to the state Constitution.

Comment

2/6/23 LRR recommends support

2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-08 H – DP   – House Municipal Oversight & Elections  – House Municipal Oversight & Elections

Sponsor

Sen. John  Kavanagh (R)

Summary

The members of the Legislature support the negotiation of a United States-Taiwan bilateral trade agreement and Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations; acknowledge the achievements made by Arizona and Taiwan in the fields of economy, trade, technology, education and culture since the establishment of their sister-state relations on July 28, 1980; and encourage continued bilateral cooperation and exchanges between the two entities in the future. The members of the Legislature support a future official visit to Taiwan by the Governor of Arizona at her discretion.

Comment

2/6/23 LRR recommends support

2/17/23 PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-07 H – Transmit to House

Sponsor

Sen. Justine  Wadsack (R)

Summary

The 2024 general election ballot is to carry the question of whether to amend the state Constitution to require statewide initiative measures to obtain signatures from 10 percent of the voters from each legislative district, instead of from the entire state, for a statewide measure, and from 15 percent of the voters of each legislative district, instead of from the entire state, for an amendment to the state Constitution.

Comment

2/6/23 LRR recommends support

PA approved supporting

Last Action

2023-03-03 H – Hearing Scheduled – 03/06/2023 – Committee of the Whole, Floor    03/06/2023  – Committee of the Whole, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. Neal  Carter (R)

Summary

The list of prohibited factors used to calculate an insurance score is expanded to include the consumer’s age. Does not prohibit an insurer from using age information for underwriting purposes.

Comment

1/23/23 IH recommends opposing

2/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-02-07 H – DP   – House Commerce  – House Commerce

Sponsor

Rep. Lupe  Diaz (R)

Summary

Increases the statute of limitations on a cause of action for medical malpractice to five years, from two years, after the cause of action accrues.

Comment

1/24/23 IH recommends opposing

2/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-01-18 H – Hearing Scheduled – 01/18/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    01/18/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. Judy  Schwiebert (D)

Summary

A landlord, in a 12-month period, is prohibited from increasing the rent for a dwelling unit more than five percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living or ten percent, whichever is less. The percentage increase limitation is based on the lowest rent charged for the dwelling unit at any time during the 12 months before the increase. Does not apply if a dwelling unit is “substantially remodeled” (defined).

Comment

2/6/23 LRR recommends opposing

2/17/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-01-26 H – Hearing Scheduled – 02/01/2023, 2:00 PM – House RA, HHR 5    02/01/2023 2:00 PM – House RA, HHR 5

Sponsor

Rep. David L. Cook (R)

Summary

If a health care insurer denies a health care services claim, in whole or in part, the insurer is required to provide the health care provider with contact information for an individual who is able to respond to questions about the denial. Upon request, the insurer is required to provide a detailed reason why the health care service was not medically necessary and the provider’s right to appeal a denial based on lack of medical necessity, if applicable, and the provider’s right to dispute a decision using the insurer’s internal grievance process. Establishes timeless for the insurer to respond to the provider. A health care provider is authorized to submit a written request for a hearing to the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions if the provider’s grievance is unresolved after the specified process and timeframes. Also requires a health insurer to conclude the process of credentialing and loading the applicant’s information in the insurer’s billing system within 45 calendar days, reduced from 100 calendar days, after the date to insurer receives a complete credentialing application. AS PASSED HOUSE

Comment

1/23/24 IH recommends opposing

2/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-03-29 S – HELD – Senate Government  – Senate Government

Sponsor

Rep. Cory  McGarr (R)

Summary

An employer is prohibited from requiring or requesting an employee’s vaccination records as a condition of employment.

Comment

1/23/23 IH recommends opposing

2/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-02-08 H – Hearing Scheduled – 02/14/2023, 2:00 PM – House COM, HHR 3    02/14/2023 2:00 PM – House COM, HHR 3

Sponsor

Rep. Rachel  Jones (R)

Summary

On demand by the Legislature, either house of the Legislature, or any member of the Legislature, the Attorney General is required to render a written opinion to determine the constitutionality of any federal law, treaty, order, rule, regulation, action, or program that is alleged to be inconsistent with or contrary to the authority of state or local law enforcement agencies. The laws of Arizona are required to be interpreted and construed to protect Arizona’s sovereign authority against federal actions. To the extent that any law, treaty, executive order, rule, or regulation of the U.S. government has been found by a court of competent jurisdiction to violate Article II, Section 3 of the state Constitution or the 10th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, that law, treaty, executive order, rule, or regulation is null, void, and unenforceable in Arizona. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

1/17/23 LRR recommends opposing

1/20/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-04-11 H – House Minority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Rep. Rachel  Jones (R)

Summary

The federal government is prohibited from requiring an Arizona resident to receive a vaccination for COVID-10 or any variant of COVID-19. Except as otherwise required by federal law, the prohibition on any government entity requiring an Arizona resident to receive a vaccination for COVID-10 or any variant of COVID-19 applies to a health care institution that is owned or operated by a government entity in Arizona.

Comment

2/3/23 – Oppose based on vaccine business mandate striker language

Last Action

2023-02-13 H – FAILED   – House Health & Human Services  – House Health & Human Services

Sponsor

Rep. Amish  Shah (D)

Summary

Repeals statute prohibiting local regulations or ordinances that impose requirements on pet dealers in excess of state law or that prohibit the sale of dogs or cats by a pet store or pet dealer.

Comment

1/17/23 LRR recommends opposing

1/20/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-01-23 H – Hearing Scheduled – 01/23/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    01/23/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. Leo  Biasiucci (R)

Summary

A contract holder with a contract right in effect on January 1, 2023 for fourth priority Colorado River water available to satisfy entitlements in Arizona that is not contracted for delivery through the Central Arizona Project is prohibited from transferring or otherwise conveying that claim for use of that water to any location or for use other than an agricultural, municipal, domestic, commercial or industrial use in a county in Arizona that is adjacent to the western border of Arizona before January 1, 2033 or until Lake Mead exceeds an elevation of 1,090 feet, whichever is later. Does not apply to the transfer of 2,033.01 acre feet of Colorado River water recommended for approval by the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources by letter to the United States Bureau of Reclamation on January 20, 2021.

Comment

1/18/23 AEW recommends opposing

1/20/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-01-19 H – Hearing Scheduled – 01/19/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    01/19/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. Steve  Montenegro (R)

Summary

Hospitals are required to develop an early treatment protocol policy for COVID-19 that includes the use of off-label therapeutics that are reasonable and acceptable through case reports and published scientific studies from either the National Institutes of Health or the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Comment

1/23/23 IH recommends opposing

2/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-01-23 H – Hearing Scheduled – 01/23/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    01/23/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. Steve  Montenegro (R)

Summary

Repeals statute protecting a health professional or health care institution that acts in good faith to provide health care services in support of the state’s response to a state of emergency for a public health pandemic from liability for civil damages, with some exceptions.

Comment

1/23/23 IH recommends opposing

2/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-01-18 H – Hearing Scheduled – 01/18/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    01/18/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. Cory  McGarr (R)

Summary

The state and all political subdivisions are prohibited from using any personnel or financial resources to enforce, administer, or cooperate with a public health emergency order based on an agreement or recomendations from an “international governmental organization” (defined) unless the order has been ratified as a treaty by the U.S. Senate, affirmed by a vote of the U.S. Congress and signed into law. The Governor is authorized to proclaim a public health emergency for no more than seven days based on hazardous public health conditions, and may extend the emergency for an additional seven days only on a 2/3 vote of each House of the Legislature. The Governor is prohibited from imposing any policy or using a public health emergency to require lockdowns or mandate business closures. Some exceptions. If the Legislature does not extend the emergency, the Governor is prohibited from proclaiming a new public health emergency arising out of the same conditions. Severability clause. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

2/6/23 LRR recommends opposing

2/17/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-04-12 H – Transmit to House

Sponsor

Rep. Steve  Montenegro (R)

Summary

A hospital is required to provide notice of its visitation policy to each patient or the patient’s representative. Visitation policies are required to allow for the patient to be accompanied by at least two visitors of the patient’s choice, and the patient must be free to change the identity of these visitors as often as the patient wishes. If a serious possibility exists that the patient will lose consciousness or die within 24 hours, or if the patient has lost consciousness, visitation policies must allow all member’s of the patient’s immediate family and a clergy member to visit the patient immediately and on demand unless the patient has expressed a contrary preference. Hospitals are prohibited from placing time restrictions on patient visitation, and are allowed to exclude visitors from specified areas. Hospitals are required to allow patients to communicate promptly and on demand with any person of their choice. The superior court is required to hear claims for violations of these requirements within 48 hours, excluding holidays and weekends, and enter a judgment within that time. Does not apply to a minor child, the Arizona State Hospital, or court-ordered mental health treatment.

Comment

1/23/23 IH recommends opposing

2/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-01-23 H – Hearing Scheduled – 01/23/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    01/23/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. Joseph  Chaplik (R)

Summary

A retail business with a physical location in Arizona is required to accept cash as a form of payment for goods and services with an aggregate value of $100 or less and cannot charge a fee or penalty for using cash as a form of payment. Establishes penalties for violations. Does not apply to the online sale of goods or services or a written contract between two parties that dictates the acceptable form of payment. AS PASSED HOUSE

Comment

2/6/23 LRR recommends opposing

2/17/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-04-03 H – Hearing Scheduled – 04/03/2023 – Consent, Floor    04/03/2023  – Consent, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. Timothy M. Dunn (R)

Summary

A telecommunications corporation that intends to place a line, wire or cable across a railroad right-of-way is required to request the railroad’s permission for the placement by applying for a binding wire-crossing agreement. The railroad is required to approve an application within 35 days unless the railroad provides notice to the telecommunications corporation that the proposed crossing is a serious threat to the safe operations of the railroad, or to the current or future use of the railroad right-of-way, or would violate any applicable federal law. If a telecommunications corporation places a line, wire or cable across a railroad right-of-way, the telecommunications corporation is required to pay the railroad a onetime standard crossing fee of $1,250 for each applicable crossing and is required to reimburse the railroad for any actual flagging expenses associated with placing the line, wire or cable. Some exceptions.

Comment

2/7/23 Recommend opposing

2/17/23 PA approved a neutral position, and will revisit if necessary.

Last Action

2023-02-15 H – DP   – House Transportation & Infrastructure  – House Transportation & Infrastructure

Sponsor

Rep. Leo  Biasiucci (R)

Summary

On or before December 31, 2023, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment (AHCCCS) Administration is required to issue decisions on redeterminations for all members who have not been redetermined for eligibility since December 1, 2022 and who were identified as factually ineligible through the AHCCCS Administration’s auto-renewal process. The AHCCCS Administration is prohibited from establishing procedural requirements to complete redeterminations or removals beyond the minimum procedures required to establish a good faith effort or any other minimum requirements under federal law. The AHCCCS Administration is prohibited from following any federal guidance that is contrary to the requirements of this legislation, following any other timelines or deadlines, or limiting the initiation or completion of redeterminations or removals, unless required to do so under federal law. Self-repeals January 1, 2025. Also requires the AHCCCS Administration to submit a monthly report to the Governor and the Legislature from May 15, 2023 through May 15, 2024 containing specified information on AHCCCS renewals. Makes a supplemental appropriation of $29.24 million from the Children’s Health Insurance Program Fund and $1.65 billion from expenditure authority in FY2022-23 to the AHCCCS Administration for adjustments in formula requirements. Emergency clause. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

Comment

2/20/23 IH recommends opposing until proper language is introduced to fix bill.

Last Action

2023-03-30 G – Signed

Sponsor

Rep. Rachel  Jones (R)

Summary

The governing board of any university, college or community college is prohibited from enacting or enforcing any policy or rule that prohibits the possession of a concealed weapon by a person who possesses a valid concealed weapons permit, or that prohibits the transportation or storage of a firearm.

Comment

2/20/23 EW recommends opposing

3/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-04-12 H – Hearing Scheduled – 04/13/2023 – Third Reading, Floor    04/13/2023  – Third Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Rep. Alexander  Kolodin (R)

Summary

The 2024 general election ballot is to carry the question of whether to amend state statute to divide Maricopa County into four counties by modifying the Maricopa County boundaries and adding three new counties: Hohokam County, Mogollon County, and O’odham County. Maricopa County operations will continue in their existing form through a transition period of up to three years after the effective date of this legislation. The boards of supervisors of Hohokam, Mogollon, and O’odham Counties will be elected at a special election held within 120 days after the effective date of this legislation. Currently elected Maricopa County Supervisors continue in their capacity for the remainder of their term in whichever county their supervisory district is located. The elected boards of supervisors in the three new counties will determine an application process for municipalities to apply to be the county seat, which will be determined at a special election to be held within 120 days from the election of the boards of supervisors. The four counties are authorized to enter into a ten-year shared use agreement for the use of existing shared capital assets. The four counties are required to enter into an intergovernmental agreement for the continued operation of community colleges for at least ten years after the effective date of this legislation.

Comment

1/17/23 LRR & BT recommends opposing

1/20/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-01-31 H – Hearing Scheduled – 01/31/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    01/31/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Sen. Thomas “T.J.” Shope (R)

Summary

Establishes the Collaborative Care Uptake Fund and requires the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to use Fund monies to make grants to primary care physicians who are in a medical practice with up to 50 employees to meet the initial costs of establishing and delivering behavioral health integration services through the collaborative care model. Specifies the expenses that a primary care physician that receives a grant may use the grant monies for. ADHS is required to solicit proposals from and enter into grant agreements with eligible collaborative care technical assistance center applicants to provide technical assistance to primary care physicians providing behavioral health integration services through the collaborative care model. A collaborative care technical assistance center that receives a grant is required to assist primary care physicians with a list of tasks. Appropriates $1 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to the Fund and from the Fund to ADHS. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

1/23/23 IH recommends opposing

Last Action

2023-03-29 H – DP   – House Appropriations  – House Appropriations

Sponsor

Sen. Frank  Carroll (R)

Summary

A “public entity” (defined) would have been prohibited from entering into a contract with a value of $100,000 or more with a company to acquire or dispose of services, supplies, information technology, or construction unless the contract included a written certification that the company did not, and agreed for the duration of the contract that it would not, “discriminate” against a “firearm entity”  or “firearm trade association” (all defined). AS VETOED BY GOVERNOR. In her veto letter, the Governor called the bill unnecessary and expressed concern that it could result in banks leaving Arizona’s market, resulting in increased costs for local governments.

Comment

1/23/23 EW recommends opposing

2/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-03-28 G – Vetoed

Sponsor

Sen. Jake  Hoffman (R)

Summary

Divides Maricopa County into four counties by modifying the Maricopa County boundaries and adding three new counties: Hohokam County, Mogollon County, and O’odham County. Maricopa County operations will continue in their existing form through a transition period of up to three years after the effective date of this legislation. The boards of supervisors of Hohokam, Mogollon, and O’odham Counties will be elected at a special election held within 120 days after the effective date of this legislation. Currently elected Maricopa County Supervisors continue in their capacity for the remainder of their term in whichever county their supervisory district is located. The elected boards of supervisors in the three new counties will determine an application process for municipalities to apply to be the county seat, which will be determined at a special election to be held within 120 days from the election of the boards of supervisors. The four counties are authorized to enter into a ten-year shared use agreement for the use of existing shared capital assets. The four counties are required to enter into an intergovernmental agreement for the continued operation of community colleges for at least ten years after the effective date of this legislation. Effective January 1, 2024.

Comment

1/19/23 Added to PA tracking (companion to HCR 2018)

1/20/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-03-07 S – FAILED   – Senate Third Reading  – Senate Third Reading

Sponsor

Sen. Jake  Hoffman (R)

Summary

A financial institution, insurer, or credit reporting agency doing business in Arizona, either directly or through a contractor, is prohibited from discriminating against any person based on a political affiliation or other social credit, environmental, social, governance or similar values-based or impact criteria. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

2/6/23 BT recommends opposing

2/17/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-04-04 H – House Majority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Sen. Thomas “T.J.” Shope (R)

Summary

An assisted living center or assisted living home that contacts an emergency responder on behalf of a resident is required to provide to the emergency responder a written document that includes a list of specified information about the resident, including medication and point-of-contact information, and if the emergency responder transports the resident to a hospital, the emergency responder is required to provide a copy of the document to the receiving hospital. For patients being transferred by a hospital to an assisted living center or assisted living home, a discharging hospital is required to provide written discharge plans that include a list of specified information, including an assessment of the patient’s medical or health conditions. The discharging hospital is required to provide an opportunity for a patient screening before discharge by the assisted living center or assisted living home from which the patient entered the hospital or to which the patient is being referred, in order to determine whether the patient’s postdischarge care needs are within the facility’s scope of services. An assisted living center or assisted living home from which the patient entered the hospital is required to readmit the patient after hospital discharge if the center or home can meet the care needs for the patient. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

1/23/23 IH recommends opposing

2/3/23 PA approved opposition

Neutral

Last Action

2023-04-04 H – House Majority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Sen. Janae  Shamp (R)

Summary

Employers would have been required to allow employees to claim a religious exemption from taking the COVID-19 vaccination, influenza A or B vaccination or flu vaccination, or any vaccination approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use. Employers would have been prohibited from inquiring into the veracity of an employee’s religious beliefs, and from discriminating against an employee regarding employment, wages, or benefits based on the employee’s vaccination status. Employees would have been authorized to file a complaint with the Attorney General (AG) if the employer did not offer the employee a religious exemption form or improperly applied or denied the employee’s religious exemption and the employee’s employment was terminated. The AG would have been required to investigate all complaints. If the AG found a complaint valid, the AG would have been required to notify the employer and allow the employer the opportunity to correct the noncompliance within 10 days. The AG would have been required to assess a civil penalty of $5,000 on an employer that did not correct the noncompliance. AS VETOED BY GOVERNOR. In her veto message, the Governor called this bill unnecessary, as legal protections for an employee’s religious beliefs already exist in federal employment law.

Comment

2/20/23 IH recommends opposing until language is introduced to fix bill.

3/3/23 PA approved conditional opposition until language is fixed

3/13/23 Neutral with amendments

Last Action

2023-03-30 G – Vetoed

Sponsor

Sen. Wendy  Rogers (R)

Summary

The governing board of any university, college or community college is prohibited from enacting or enforcing any policy or rule that prohibits the possession of a concealed weapon by a person who possesses a valid concealed weapons permit, or that prohibits the transportation or storage of a firearm.

Comment

2/20/23 EW recommends opposing

3/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-03-08 H – Hearing Scheduled – 03/08/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    03/08/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

SB1302 – Dental insurance; medical loss ratio

Sponsor

Sen. John  Kavanagh (R)

Summary

By March 31 of each year, dental insurers are required to file with the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) a “medical loss ratio” (defined) report that is organized by market and product type, and information that must be included in the report is listed. DIFI is required to make medical loss ratio reports available to the public. Dental insurers owe a rebate to subscribers on a pro rata basis by August 1 following the calendar year for which the medical loss ratio report was filed if the ratio is less than 85 percent for a “large group market” (defined) insurer or is less than 80 percent for a “small group market” (defined) insurer.

Comment

1/30/23 Added to IH tracking

2/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-02-07 H – Hearing Scheduled – 02/13/2023, 2:00 PM – Senate FIN, SHR 109    02/13/2023 2:00 PM – Senate FIN, SHR 109

Sponsor

Sen. Jake  Hoffman (R)

Summary

This state, counties, municipalities, and political subdivisions are prohibited from establishing vehicle miles of travel reduction goals or targets in developing any transportation or land use planning or selecting transportation or transit projects. This state, counties, municipalities, and political subdivisions are prohibited from tracking or maintaining a record of a person’s vehicle miles of travel. This state, counties, municipalities, and political subdivisions are prohibited from imposing or collecting any mileage fee or tax, a per-mile charge, fee or tax or any tax or fee based on vehicle miles traveled by an individual in a motor vehicle.

Comment

2/2/23 Added to TI tracking

2/17/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-04-05 H – RET ON CAL – House Committee of the Whole  – House Committee of the Whole

Sponsor

Sen. Janae  Shamp (R)

Summary

Pharmacy benefit managers are required to obtain a valid certificate of authority to operate as a pharmacy benefit manager in Arizona from the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI). Information that must be included in an application for a certificate of authority is specified. DIFI is authorized to issue a cease and desist order if a pharmacy benefit manager does not hold a valid certificate, and is authorized to suspend or revoke a certificate in specified circumstances. Establishes civil penalties for violations. DIFI is required to establish a record retention schedule for all data related to enforcement of these requirements. Effective January 1, 2025. AS PASSED HOUSE

Comment

2/20/23 IH recommends opposing

3/3/23 PA approved opposition, neutral with amendments.

Last Action

2023-04-12 G – Transmit to Governor

Sponsor

Sen. Ken  Bennett (R)

Summary

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) is required to establish a Transportation Funding Pilot Program to provide per pupil weighted transportation funding to school districts that participate in the program. ADE is required to establish policies and procedures for school districts to apply to participate in the program. During any year in which a school district participates in the program, the school district is prohibited from including the transportation revenue control limit in its revenue control limit, and from including the transportation support level in its district support level. ADE is required to develop support level weights for transportation costs that exceed basic per pupil funding. Appropriates $50 million from the general fund in FY2023-24 to ADE for the Program.

Comment

2/20/23 EW recommends supporting

3/3/23 PA approved opposition to the amendment of the bill.

Last Action

2023-02-21 S – Senate Majority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Sen. Justine  Wadsack (R)

Summary

If an employer denies a religious exemption and requires a person to receive a COVID-19 vaccination as a prerequisite to or requirement for maintaining employment, the employer is liable to the person for damages that result from a significant injury that is caused by receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. A claimant who prevails under this provision must be awarded actual damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees or statutory damages of $1 million, whichever is greater, and may also recover exemplary damages. These rights supplement any other rights and remedies provided by law.

Comment

3/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-02-27 H – Hearing Scheduled – 02/28/2023 – Committee of the Whole, Floor    02/28/2023  – Committee of the Whole, Floor

Sponsor

Sen. Justine  Wadsack (R)

Summary

Any business in Arizona that requires patrons of the business to wear a mask when on the business’s premises is required to provide at each exit of the business a biohazard waste disposal receptacle for patrons to dispose of their masks.

Comment

2/20/23 IH recommends opposing

3/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-02-16 S – DPA   – Senate Government  – Senate Government

Sponsor

Sen. Thomas “T.J.” Shope (R)

Summary

“Health care insurers” (defined) are prohibited from ranking or classifying health care providers based on performance or publishing provider-specific information that includes rankings or ratings of a health care provider’s performance against standards or other providers unless a list of specified conditions applies, including that the standards are disclosed to each provider before any evaluation period, and that providers are given an opportunity to dispute a ranking or classification through a process that meets specified requirements.

Comment

2/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-02-02 H – Hearing Scheduled – 02/02/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    02/02/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Sen. Frank  Carroll (R)

Summary

Charges, rates, tolls and rental fees that are received by a public service corporation or electricity supplier, including an electric cooperative, for any commodity or service are prohibited from being used to build or operate an electric vehicle charging station or a commercial charging facility, but may be used for “make-ready infrastructure” (defined as the electrical infrastructure that is required to service an electric vehicle charging station’s electrical load on the electricity supplier’s or customer’s side of the electric meter). An affiliate of an electricity supplier that provides, owns, operates or maintains electric vehicle charging stations is required to do so on the same rates, terms and conditions that are offered to private providers of electric vehicle charging stations in the electricity supplier’s service territory. Contains legislative findings.

Comment

2/17/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-03-10 H – Hearing Scheduled – 03/13/2023 – Committee of the Whole, Floor    03/13/2023  – Committee of the Whole, Floor

Sponsor

Sen. Janae  Shamp (R)

Summary

Health and disability insurers that provide coverage for surgical services for a mastectomy are required to cover a mammogram, and to cover digital breast tomosynthesis, magnetic resonance imaging, or ultrasound at such age and intervals as recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, instead of only a mammogram every two years for a woman who is 40 to 49 and every year for a woman who is 50 years of age and over. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

2/3/23 PA approved opposition

3/13/23 Neutral

Last Action

2023-04-04 H – House Minority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Sen. Janae  Shamp (R)

Summary

Each hospital is required to comply with specified federal code related to hospital price transparency requirements. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is required to annually confirm each hospital’s compliance, and hospitals are required to annually demonstrate compliance to ADHS. A hospital that does not comply is subject to civil penalties. By January 1, 2025 and each January 1 after, ADHS is required to post a report on the ADHS public website containing each hospital’s level of compliance with these requirements. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

2/20/23 IH recommends opposing

3/3/23 PA approved opposition

Neutral with amendments

Last Action

2023-04-12 G – Signed

Sponsor

Sen. Anthony  Kern (R)

Summary

A public entity is prohibited from requiring a company to implement an “environmental, social or governance standards policy” (defined) as a condition of entering into or renewing a contract with a company to acquire services, supplies, information technology, goods or construction services. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

2/6/23 LRR recommends opposing

2/17/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-04-11 H – DP – House Committee of the Whole  – House Committee of the Whole

Sponsor

Sen. Anthony  Kern (R)

Summary

A “public entity” is prohibited from investing public monies in or with a financial institution that has a written policy regarding environmental, social, and governance issues that include boycotting fossil fuels. The State Treasurer is authorized to cancel state contracts with financial institutions that have these policies. On referral from the State Treasurer, the Attorney General is required to investigate financial institutions that have these policies.

Comment

2/6/23 LRR recommends opposing

2/17/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-02-02 H – Hearing Scheduled – 02/02/2023 – Second Reading, Floor    02/02/2023  – Second Reading, Floor

Sponsor

Sen. Wendy  Rogers (R)

Summary

A business or governmental entity in Arizona is prohibited from entering into an agreement involving “critical infrastructure” (defined elsewhere in statute) in Arizona with a company if the company would be able to access or control critical infrastructure in Arizona, except for access that is specifically allowed for product warranty and support purposes, and if the company is owned by or controlled by citizens of China, Iran, North Korea or Russia, or by a company or other entity that is owned or controlled by citizens of or is directly controlled by the government of China, Iran, North Korea or Russia, or that is headquartered in China, Iran, North Korea or Russia. The Governor is authorized to designate a country as a threat to critical infrastructure in Arizona.

Comment

2/6/23 LRR recommends opposing

2/17/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-04-06 H – PASSED – House Motion to Reconsider Third  – House Motion to Reconsider Third

Sponsor

Sen. Jake  Hoffman (R)

Summary

“Public entities” (defined) are prohibited from requiring an employee to engage in a “diversity, equity, and inclusion program” (defined), spending public monies on a diversity, equity, and inclusion program, and advancing or adopting any policy or procedure designed to influence the composition of its workforce on the basis of race, sex, or color. An employee of a public entity who is required to participate in a diversity, equity, and inclusion program is authorized to bring an action against the public entity. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

2/13/23 Added to PA tracking

2/17/23 PA approved opposing

Last Action

2023-04-04 H – House Minority Caucus – Y

Sponsor

Sen. Jake  Hoffman (R)

Summary

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is prohibited from accepting federal monies to pay for the construction, maintenance or expansion of a highway or state route if the acceptance of the federal monies is conditioned on the design and construction of a bicycle path or pedestrian walkway as a component of the highway or state route. ADOT cannot plan, design or construct bicycle paths or pedestrian walkways that are parallel to and separate from a highway or state route. Applies to a highway or state route that exists before, on or after the effective date of this legislation.

Comment

2/21/23 TI recommends opposing

3/3/23 PA approved opposition

Last Action

2023-03-01 S – FAILED   – Senate Third Reading  – Senate Third Reading

Sponsor

Sen. Justine  Wadsack (R)

Summary

It is an unlawful discriminatory practice for any government entity to deny to a person any local or state services, goods, privileges, licensing, educational opportunities, health care access, or employment opportunities based on the person’s “vaccination status” or whether the person has an “immunity passport” (both defined). It is an unlawful discriminatory practice for an employer to refuse employment to a person or discriminate against a person, and for a public accommodation to exclude, limit, refuse to serve, or otherwise discriminate against a person based on the person’s vaccination status or whether the person has an immunity passport. A person cannot be required to receive any vaccine for which a U.S. Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorization has been issued. Does not apply to a health care institution or immunization requirements for school attendance. Contains a legislative intent section. AS PASSED SENATE

Comment

3/2/23 Opposed to the vaccine striker

Last Action

2023-03-27 H – HELD – House Health & Human Services  – House Health & Human Services

Sponsor

Sen. Jake  Hoffman (R)

Summary

The 2024 general election ballot is to carry the question of whether to amend the state Constitution to prohibit the state, counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions from imposing a tax or fee on any person based on vehicle miles traveled or imposing any rule or law to monitor or limit the vehicle miles traveled of a person in a motor vehicle.

Comment

2/17/23 PA approved opposing

Last Action

2023-03-15 H – DP   – House Ways & Means  – House Ways & Means