HB 2144 amends Arizona's child support law to require courts to consider the mother's direct medical and pregnancy-related expenses when determining child support for a preborn child (unborn child). This affects child support cases where the child has not yet been born, ensuring pregnancy costs are factored into support calculations. The key mechanism adds this as a new factor (item 9) under the existing guidelines for determining support amounts. The bill does not change other child support rules but specifically addresses pregnancy-related medical expenses for the mother.
This bill allows Arizona to participate in a federal tax credit program, enabling individuals to claim a credit for contributions to qualified scholarship organizations. Starting in 2027, certified Arizona scholarship groups can provide funds for elementary and secondary education expenses, such as tuition or materials, under federal law. The state’s Department of Education must certify these organizations, maintain a public list of them, and submit annual reports to the federal government to maintain eligibility. The bill does not create new scholarships but aligns Arizona with existing federal tax incentives for education-related donations.
SB 1293 amends Arizona law to allow cities and towns to temporarily eliminate a tax on government-owned property improvements (like buildings on public land) for up to eight years. To qualify, the improvement must be located in a designated central business district (with strict size and compactness limits) and a blighted area, and must increase property value by at least 100%. For leases entered after May 2010, governing bodies must approve them with a simple majority vote after providing notice and an independent economic analysis showing community benefits outweigh lessee benefits (except for residential rental housing). The tax abatement must be applied for before the first tax payment due after the property is occupied.
HB 2310 defines "qualified marketplace contractors" as workers on digital platforms (like ride-sharing or task apps) who must meet specific criteria to be treated as independent contractors under Arizona law. To qualify, their contracts must specify they’re independent contractors, pay must be based on output (not hours), they must control their schedule, work for multiple platforms, and bear their own expenses and taxes. The bill directly affects platform workers and digital platforms in Arizona, excluding transportation services (e.g., package delivery) and government/religious organization workers. It ensures these contractors aren’t automatically classified as employees for state employment or workers' compensation laws, though compliance isn’t mandatory for establishing independent contractor status.
HB 2395 establishes a voluntary Arizona school fitness program under the Department of Education, allowing public schools to participate in nationally recognized physical fitness tests. Schools that choose to join the program can add a "fitness program designation" to their existing school report cards, which are required by law. The Department of Education will develop guidelines, best practices, and resources to support schools participating in the program. This bill does not require schools to participate or change current fitness standards, only offering a voluntary recognition option for those that opt in.
This bill amends retirement plan provisions for Arizona peace officers. It establishes medical examination requirements for peace officers and outlines specific withdrawal options for those who leave employment before retirement. The bill specifies that peace officers with less than five years of service can withdraw their accumulated contributions, while those with five or more years can withdraw their contributions plus a percentage based on their years of service (ranging from 25% for 5-5.9 years to 100% for 10+ years). The bill also details payment timelines, interest provisions, and options for rolling over funds into other retirement accounts. This primarily affects current and former Arizona peace officers who are members of retirement plans.
SB 1586 requires all Arizona state agencies to post federal guidance they receive or create on their websites within 30 days. Agencies must include the full text, date, and a summary of how the guidance affects their operations, especially when it influences state law interpretation or federal compliance. Confidential federal guidance must be noted with reasons for non-disclosure, while personally identifiable information remains excluded. Agencies must submit annual compliance reports to the legislature starting December 31, 2026. This bill directly affects all state agencies handling federal funds or regulations by increasing transparency around external guidance.
HB 2975 prohibits Arizona's state land department from using solar scores or similar tools in land decisions starting from its effective date. The bill requires the department to develop two new resource scoring maps within two years: one for mining (considering known resources) and one for housing (considering development needs). These maps must be created with input from relevant industries and will guide the department’s land use planning and five-year disposal plans. The department must also submit updated maps to state leaders, including the governor and legislative leaders. This bill directly affects how Arizona manages state lands for mining, housing, and renewable energy projects.
HB 2167 holds Arizona's Attorney General liable for damages if they file a public nuisance lawsuit that is dismissed or found without merit, provided the AG knew or should have known the case lacked legal or factual basis and publicized the filing. If liable, the AG must pay the defendant's attorney fees, litigation costs, and a civil penalty equal to three times the damages suffered - such as lost sales or profits for businesses. The damages and penalties would be paid from the Attorney General's general operating fund, not taxpayer money. This bill directly affects the Attorney General's office and individuals or businesses targeted by potentially unfounded nuisance lawsuits.
HB 2168 amends Arizona law to require local officials' consent before the attorney general can sue over certain public nuisances. It specifically applies to cases involving obscene materials within 2,000 feet of schools, parks, or residential areas, or health-hazardous activities affecting communities. The bill adds a consent requirement from the board of supervisors, county attorney, or city attorney before legal action can be taken. This change affects potential defendants accused of these nuisances and modifies the process for initiating lawsuits, not the definition of the nuisance itself.
HB 2126 requires automatic venue changes in civil lawsuits where a party is a judicial branch or court clerk employee in the county where the case is filed. This applies to any such case, directly affecting the parties involved and the court handling the matter. The bill mandates that the court must transfer the case to the most convenient neighboring county unless the parties agree to a different county. It does not change substantive law but streamlines procedural fairness when potential conflicts arise due to employment relationships. The bill focuses solely on the court's procedural duty to move the case, not on policy outcomes.
Arizona's HB 2132 increases penalties for fentanyl offenses. It sets a minimum 5-year prison sentence for selling or possessing fentanyl in amounts of 200 grams or more (with repeat offenses requiring 10+ years), replaces probation eligibility for these cases, and mandates a $2,000+ fine. Convicted individuals must also complete 360 hours of community service with substance abuse programs and undergo mandatory drug testing if on probation. The bill directly affects people convicted of fentanyl-related sales or possession above the threshold, aiming to strengthen sentencing for serious drug offenses.
