SB 1125 allows psychologists in Arizona to prescribe certain medications under specific agreements with physicians, directly affecting psychologists seeking prescribing authority and physicians who collaborate with them. The bill establishes that a physician may enter into a maximum of four collaborative prescription agreements with psychologists at any time. It amends medical board regulations to include investigating prescribing psychologists and defines key terms like "collaborating physician" and "prescribing psychologist" under existing statutes. This policy change modifies how psychologists can legally prescribe medications within a structured, limited partnership framework with physicians.
SB 1620 appropriates $400,000 from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to purchase public safety training simulators for the Arizona State University Police Department and Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office. The bill directly funds equipment used by these two law enforcement entities for training purposes. It does not create new policies or regulations but provides specific funding for existing training needs. The bill failed to pass on March 24, 2025, and was subsequently withdrawn.
SB 1369 allocates $2 million in state funds for Arizona law enforcement recruitment and retention during fiscal year 2025-2026. It provides $500,000 to the Department of Public Safety for coaching resources with specialized law enforcement training, and $1.5 million for matching grants to county, city, and town agencies - requiring 25-50% local matches - to purchase similar coaching services focused on improving officer retention. The bill mandates that providers must use coaches trained by FBI National Academy instructors and offer online platforms with measurable retention analytics. The bill failed to pass after committee review on March 24, 2025.
HB 2430 requires Arizona's Department of Corrections to study converting the Marana prison site into a transitional facility for inmates scheduled for release within 60 days. The study must assess feasibility, evaluate programs for transitional skills, and analyze existing and needed state resources. The department must submit findings and recommendations to state leaders by June 1, 2026, with the requirement expiring after June 30, 2026. This bill failed in the legislature on March 27, 2025, and did not advance to become law.
SCR 1006 proposes amending Arizona's constitution to establish strict requirements for exchanging state trust lands (held for public schools and institutions) with other lands. It mandates two independent appraisals confirming fair value, economic impact studies for local governments, and public hearings with six weeks' notice before any exchange can occur. The bill allows exchanges only to protect military facilities or improve state land management for sale, lease, or public use. This constitutional amendment failed to pass in the legislature (as noted in recent actions) and would have required voter approval via referendum at the next general election.
SB 1038 amends Arizona's aggravated assault law to include assaults on specific public service workers while they're performing their duties, such as first responders, teachers, healthcare workers, park rangers, and other officials. It adds new circumstances where assaulting these individuals becomes a more serious offense - for example, attacking a teacher on school grounds or a healthcare worker during work hours. The law increases penalties for these assaults and applies until January 1, 2033. This change directly affects anyone committing assault against covered workers during official duties.
SB 1703 prohibits veterans' benefit advisors from charging upfront or nonrefundable fees for helping veterans navigate benefits claims. It requires written agreements with clear disclosures stating the service is not affiliated with the Arizona or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and limits compensation to five times any actual increase in benefits. Advisors cannot guarantee specific benefits, charge during the one-year military service period without written acknowledgment, or use medical providers for secondary exams. Violations may result in civil penalties deposited into Arizona’s veterans’ homes trust fund. The bill passed the Senate but failed in the House on March 26, 2025.
HB 2785 prohibits assisted living facilities and nursing care institutions in Arizona from restricting residents' use of electronic monitoring devices in their private rooms. It specifically bans facilities from prohibiting installation, discriminating against residents who choose to use monitoring, or retaliating based on consent decisions. The law defines "electronic monitoring" as devices recording audio/video in a resident's room for their use or authorized parties, and allows civil penalties for violations. The bill passed the House in March 2025 but failed in the Senate on March 26, 2025.
SB 1455 prohibits public officers or employees whose duties involve election administration from running for office in the same election, except for precinct committeeman. It directly affects election workers, such as poll workers or election administrators, who would be barred from seeking elected office during the election cycle they are administering. The bill creates a clear conflict-of-interest rule by requiring these officials to step aside from their election duties if they become candidates. This is a procedural policy change focused on maintaining impartiality in election operations.
SB 1128 requires Arizona's air quality agency to consider emissions from other U.S. states and solar radiation effects when updating air quality plans, while explicitly excluding emissions originating outside the United States. It also authorizes Arizona's attorney general to sue the EPA if the agency refuses to approve plans demonstrating Arizona would meet ozone standards without foreign emissions. The bill is based on Arizona's claim that over 80% of ozone pollution in the Maricopa nonattainment area (Phoenix metro) comes from outside U.S. borders. This changes how Arizona factors external pollution into its air quality strategy and provides a legal path to challenge the EPA's interpretation of federal law.
HB 2191 allows religious institutions in Arizona to develop residential housing on their owned land without local zoning restrictions, provided they meet specific requirements. It requires developments to be at least 75 feet from neighboring properties, include parking, comply with utility access rules, and avoid areas near industrial zones or airports. Crucially, it mandates that 40% of units in such developments must be low-income housing for 55 years, and religious institutions must notify counties if the property loses tax-exempt status. The bill applies directly to religious organizations owning land for three+ years, overriding municipal zoning for qualifying projects.
SB 1148 establishes a defined contribution retirement plan (similar to a 401(k)) for new Arizona public safety personnel hired after specific dates, including police, firefighters, and corrections officers. It sets employer and employee contribution rates: for example, new hires after July 2017 pay 9% of salary (paid by employer), while others pay 3-7.5% (also employer-paid). The bill requires employers to cover all contributions directly through payroll deductions rather than employee payments, with rates varying based on hire date and position type. This replaces traditional pension benefits for eligible new employees, directing funds into individual retirement accounts instead.
