HB 2134 amends Arizona's definition section for physician assistants (PAs), clarifying key terms that affect their practice. It specifically defines "minor surgery" to exclude surgical abortions and establishes that PAs with at least 8,000 hours of clinical practice can work without a formal supervision agreement under a collaborating physician. The bill also defines terms like "adequate records," "advisory letters," and "unprofessional conduct" to guide licensing and disciplinary actions. These definitions directly affect licensed PAs, collaborating physicians, and the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants by setting clearer standards for scope of practice and accountability.
HB 2069 allows Arizona public school districts and charter schools to adopt flexible instructional time models to meet state learning hour requirements. It permits up to 40% of total instructional time to be delivered remotely starting in the 2022-2023 school year (down from 50% previously), with schools exceeding this limit facing adjusted funding calculations. Schools must post their adopted models online, including how they impact funding, and align attendance policies with their chosen schedule. The bill aims to provide flexibility in how schools structure learning time while maintaining minimum instructional requirements.
SB 1212 protects Arizona state agencies and counties from legal liability when agricultural lessees of state lands follow established rules for using biosolids (treated sewage sludge applied to farmland as fertilizer or soil amendment). It presumes such use is reasonable if compliant with existing rules (sections 49-255.03 and 49-468), and prevents lease renewals from being blocked solely due to biosolids use unless the Department of Environmental Quality finds a violation. The bill also requires lessees to share environmental permits with the state and aligns state biosolids regulations with federal Clean Water Act standards. This directly affects agricultural lessees on state lands and state land management entities.
HB 2702 terminates Arizona's Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) on December 31, 2025, and repeals its statutory authority on July 1, 2026. The bill states that the ACJC engaged in activities like lobbying for surveillance data collection on law-abiding citizens and targeting concealed carry permit holders, which the legislature deemed harmful to civil liberties and a misuse of taxpayer funds. It also cites the commission's creation of a disinformation task force as part of a censorship apparatus. This legislation, which passed the House and is under Senate consideration, ends the ACJC's operations and requires legislative changes to state law for the next session.
HB 2341 establishes standards for inspecting fire dampers and smoke dampers in buildings, requiring inspections to follow nationally recognized standards adopted by local governments. It limits county adoption of building and fire codes to specific types (e.g., nationally recognized codes for construction or fire prevention) and prohibits counties from mandating fire sprinklers in single-family homes or small residential buildings (up to two units), except for pre-2009 codes. The bill also explicitly prevents counties from requiring sprinklers for accessory structures like garages or sheds, protecting property owners’ rights to choose sprinkler installation. These provisions override conflicting local regulations and ensure fire safety standards align with state guidelines without imposing new requirements on residential properties.
HB 2027 establishes a regulatory framework for behavior analysts in Arizona by creating the State Board of Behavior Analysts and defining licensing requirements. The bill directly affects behavior analysts (who must now obtain a license to practice) and their clients by setting clear standards for services, including defining "behavior analysis services" as distinct from psychotherapy or cognitive therapies. Key provisions include requiring licensure, prohibiting unlicensed practice, defining unprofessional conduct (such as sexual misconduct with clients), and mandating "adequate records" for services. The law also creates disciplinary mechanisms like "letters of concern" for minor issues and formal actions for serious violations. This bill shifts oversight of behavior analysts from previous statutes to a dedicated regulatory board under Arizona Revised Statutes Chapter 4.
HB 2404 establishes the Arizona Commerce Authority to lead economic growth by attracting, expanding, and retaining businesses across the state. It creates a 19-member board of directors (including the governor as chair, 17 private business leaders appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, and non-voting ex officio members) to guide this work. Key provisions require appointed board members to undergo criminal background checks, mandate technical advisors from state agencies (like environmental quality and transportation), and set annual audit requirements for the authority’s funds. The bill directly affects state economic development strategy and business recruitment efforts, with the board’s decisions shaping how Arizona markets itself to companies.
HB 2038 amends Arizona's accounting board investigation procedures to clarify the process for reviewing potential violations. It requires the board to conduct an initial analysis before opening a full investigation to determine if reasonable cause exists for a violation of accounting rules. The bill specifies that the board or an authorized committee may designate qualified personnel as investigators, who must submit reports detailing findings and recommendations. This procedural change directly affects the Arizona State Board of Accountancy and accountants facing potential disciplinary actions under the state's accounting regulations.
HB 2040 is a technical correction to Arizona's existing dental informed consent law (A.R.S. § 32-1299.25), clarifying requirements for mobile dental facilities. It requires these facilities to obtain written or recorded verbal consent before treatment, specifically adding that consent forms for minors must inform parents/guardians about potential impacts on future insurance benefits. The bill also mandates that after each visit, patients receive a detailed information sheet listing the treating provider, treatment description, fees, and referral options if needed. This update directly affects mobile dental providers and their patients, ensuring clearer communication about services and insurance implications without changing core patient rights.
HB 2426 requires non-charter Arizona cities to appoint someone to fill a vacant council seat within 30 days of learning of the vacancy. If the vacancy occurs more than 30 days before the election nomination deadline, the appointee serves until the next regular election; otherwise, they serve the remaining term. The bill also specifies that appointees must meet the qualifications listed in Arizona law for council members. Charter cities (those with their own governing charters) are exempt from this requirement.
HB 2047 modifies Arizona law governing costs and attorney fees in corporate appraisal proceedings, primarily affecting shareholders (dissenters) and corporations involved in mergers or acquisitions. The bill gives courts authority to assign costs and legal fees based on whether dissenters' demands for payment were reasonable or if the corporation followed proper procedures. Specifically, courts can order corporations to pay dissenters' fees if the corporation failed to comply with appraisal rules, or require dissenters to pay fees if their demands were unreasonable or made in bad faith. It also allows courts to award fees to attorneys who helped multiple dissenters, paid from the settlement funds. The changes aim to clarify cost allocation without altering the core appraisal process.
SB 1357 terminates the Arizona Department of Housing on July 1, 2029, and repeals related statutes on January 1, 2030. The bill sets a fixed end date for the department, which currently manages affordable housing programs, manufactured home safety standards, and housing assistance for low- and moderate-income families. It updates Section 41-3953 to clarify the department's duties until termination, including annual reporting on metrics like affordable housing units and homelessness rates. This legislation concludes the department's existence without extending its operations.
