SB 1693 (correcting the title discrepancy) primarily updates teacher certification rules, not superintendent requirements. It requires all teachers providing literacy instruction in kindergarten through grade 5 to obtain a literacy endorsement by specific deadlines (2028 for current teachers, within three years of certification for new teachers starting August 2025). The endorsement mandates evidence-based science of reading training covering foundational skills, high-quality materials, and interventions for reading deficiencies (including dyslexia). Teachers may bypass formal coursework through local district verification using classroom observations and student data, and the bill explicitly prohibits requiring a master's degree for certification.
SB 1797 prohibits manufacturers and distributors from engaging in "price gouging" on specific essential off-patent or generic drugs, defined as drugs without patent protection, listed by WHO or the U.S. as essential, and sold by few manufacturers. It directly affects drug companies selling these medications in Arizona, requiring them to justify price increases exceeding 50% within a year or exceeding $80 for basic treatment (e.g., 30-day supply). The state’s Medicaid program can trigger investigations for such increases, prompting manufacturers to submit cost breakdowns within 45 days. If violations are confirmed, the attorney general can seek court orders for restitution, injunctions, or civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation. The bill focuses on transparency and accountability for price hikes impacting affordability, not on altering drug approval or insurance coverage.
SB 1801 establishes tax deduction rules for event wagering operators in Arizona, specifically limiting how much they can deduct for free bets or promotional credits from their taxable income. It allows operators a deduction equal to up to 20% of gross wagering receipts for the first two years, 15% in year three, and 10% in years four and five, with no deduction permitted after that. The bill directly affects licensed event wagering operators - including sports teams, racetracks, and tribal entities - and defines key terms like "event wagering" (covering bets on sports, e-sports, and other competitions) and "adjusted gross receipts." The policy creates a structured, time-limited tax incentive to encourage operator participation while maintaining clear definitions for regulatory compliance.
SB 1791 amends Arizona election laws to clarify ballot handling rules and strengthen penalties for violations. It requires voters to sign mail affidavits for mailed ballots and specifies that only the voter, family members, household members, or designated caregivers may handle ballots - prohibiting others from collecting or returning ballots. The bill explicitly states that violating these rules (e.g., handling another’s ballot or offering compensation for ballots) constitutes a class 5 felony, with stricter delivery instructions for mailed ballots starting in 2026. These changes directly affect voters, election officials, and anyone involved in ballot collection or delivery. The law aims to prevent ballot fraud by defining clear boundaries for ballot handling and emphasizing legal consequences.
SB 1830 establishes Arizona's "turquoise alert" system to quickly notify the public about missing persons under age 65 who are in danger. It requires law enforcement to exhaust local resources and confirm the person is a runaway (especially children), kidnapped, or missing under suspicious circumstances before activating the alert. The system issues public alerts through the emergency alert system when specific recovery information is available, and mandates that the department share alerts with other state notification services. This directly affects law enforcement agencies, the public, and missing persons under 65, particularly children and those at risk. The bill does not change existing Amber Alert protocols but creates a new, separate alert category for runaways and vulnerable missing persons.
SB 1792 in Arizona establishes automatic voter registration for residents when they apply for or renew a driver's license or nonoperating ID at the Department of Transportation, with an opt-out period of 21 days. It also allows same-day voter registration at polling places during the 28 days before an election, requiring proof of residence and issuing provisional ballots for that election only. The law permits registration for federal, statewide, county, and legislative offices but excludes partisan primary elections for 29 days after registration. Key provisions include requiring minimal registration data, automatic data transfer to county recorders, and clear opt-out notices to applicants. The bill takes effect on December 31, 2026.
SB 1765 redirects specific portions of Arizona's state lottery fund to support problem gambling initiatives. It allocates $1.3 million annually to the existing problem gambling fund (established under §5-1318.01) and an additional $1.3 million to the Department of Gaming's division for problem gambling treatment, prevention, and education programs. These funds come from the lottery revenue after covering bond debt service and other mandatory expenses, with allocations adjusted yearly for inflation and exempt from standard appropriation lapsing rules. The bill does not regulate gambling but uses existing lottery revenue to directly fund services for individuals affected by problem gambling.
SB 1697 prohibits Arizona public schools from shaming or treating students differently due to unpaid meal fees, ensuring all students receive the same meals regardless of payment status. It specifically bans school staff from serving different meals (except for dietary/religious needs) or taking disciplinary action that denies students nutritious meals meeting state nutrition standards. The law directly affects students with unpaid meal fees and requires schools to maintain equal treatment and meal access during the instructional day. This policy change focuses on preventing stigma and ensuring consistent access to required meals, without altering meal eligibility or financial assistance processes.
SCR 1046, if approved by Arizona voters, would require public schools to identify students needing English language support, assess their proficiency, and provide structured English immersion programs with specific daily time requirements (120 minutes for K-5, 100 minutes for grades 6-12). It directly affects school districts, charter schools, and English learners (students whose primary language is not English). Key provisions include mandating high-quality language programs, allowing parents to sue schools for noncompliance, and requiring the state board to adopt research-based teaching models. The bill would replace existing laws on English learner education and needs voter approval to become law.
SCR 1042 proposes to repeal the constitutional requirement that Arizona school districts must adhere to spending limits based on 1979-80 expenditure levels adjusted for student population and cost of living. This would remove the existing framework where school districts' local revenue spending was capped by a formula calculated annually by the economic estimates commission. The bill specifically targets Section 21 of Article IX in Arizona's constitution, which currently governs these expenditure limitations for both school districts and community college districts. If passed, this repeal would eliminate the need for districts to calculate or comply with these historical spending caps, though it does not create new spending rules. The bill is a constitutional amendment proposal requiring voter approval, not a direct legislative change to current spending policies.
SCR 1050 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would require Arizona legislative candidates to disclose specific personal information on election ballots, including a three-word employment description, education level (from predefined options), military service status, and voting history in the last three general elections. It would also mandate that sitting legislators maintain their primary residence within their legislative district, with limited exceptions for those living far from the state capitol. If approved by voters, these changes would take effect for the 2030 elections. The amendment is currently in the early legislative stages (Senate first and second readings).
Arizona's SCR 1053 proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit corporations and "artificial entities" (including out-of-state businesses operating in Arizona) from spending money to influence elections. It defines "political spending" as using funds to affect elections, excluding bona fide news or commentary unless owned by political parties or candidates. Violating this ban would automatically strip the entity of its corporate rights and privileges without court action, with reinstatement requiring new state legislation. This measure requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect.
