appropriation; DES; legal aid

SB 1191 allocates $10 million from Arizona’s state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Department of Economic Security (DES), to be distributed to legal aid organizations providing free or low-cost civil legal services to income-eligible Arizonans. The funding is exempt from standard appropriation lapse rules and intended as ongoing annual support. This bill directly supports low-income residents facing civil legal issues - such as housing disputes or family law matters - by expanding access to legal assistance through qualified providers. The legislation focuses solely on funding mechanisms, with no policy changes or voting records tied to this specific appropriation.