HCR 2039 proposes amending Arizona's constitution to create a new property tax exemption for primary residences owned by eligible seniors. It would exempt the property of Arizona residents who are U.S. citizens, at least 65 years old, have lived in the state for three full tax years prior to claiming the exemption, and occupy the home as their primary residence. This exemption applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2026, and requires no additional application beyond meeting the residency and age criteria. The bill does not change existing exemptions for veterans, widows, or disabled residents, as it specifically targets senior homeowners. As a constitutional amendment, it requires voter approval before implementation.
HB 2865, titled "Jordin's Law," clarifies Arizona's definition of a "prohibited possessor" under firearm laws by amending Section 13-3101 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. It specifies who is barred from possessing firearms, including individuals convicted of felonies (with rights not restored), undocumented immigrants (with exceptions for hunters, shooting event participants, or diplomats), people subject to certain court orders (like mental health holds or domestic violence protection orders), and those serving prison terms or probation for violent offenses. The bill also defines "prohibited weapons," such as short-barreled rifles or machine guns, but states these definitions do not override federal law compliance. This is a definitional update to existing law, not a new restriction on firearm access.
HB 2799 amends Arizona's contractor licensing law to enhance safety for workers in excavation projects. It requires contractors whose work includes excavation to ensure the "competent person" (the individual responsible for identifying hazards and taking corrective action) and all employees entering trenches complete and renew trench safety training every two years. The bill also mandates that new license applicants successfully complete a state-approved trench safety training course as part of the licensing process. These changes apply directly to all contractors seeking or renewing a license in Arizona, with the goal of reducing trench-related accidents.
HB 2823 prohibits Arizona's Department of Corrections from renewing or creating new contracts with private prison operators that include a "minimum occupancy clause." This means the state cannot require private prisons to maintain a specific occupancy rate, and will only pay for the actual number of inmates physically housed at the facility. The bill directly affects the state department and private prison operators by changing how contracts are structured and paid. It applies to all new contracts or renewals after the bill's effective date.
HB 2840 requires Arizona public schools and charter schools to provide annual nutrition education for all students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This includes teaching practical healthy eating habits, scientific evidence on diet/exercise, disease prevention, and meal planning skills, with a focus on nutrient-dense foods and the impacts of ultraprocessed foods. The bill also mandates 30 minutes of daily physical activity for all students, allowing options like physical education classes, scheduled breaks, or active classroom time, while permitting medical exemptions. These requirements directly affect all Arizona K-12 schools and their students, aiming to integrate health education into daily school routines.
HB 2703 defines eligibility for Arizona's Education Savings Account (ESA) program, primarily affecting students with disabilities, those from low-performing schools, military families, and children in foster care. The bill establishes specific criteria for "qualified students" (e.g., those identified under federal disability law, attending schools with D/F grades, or military-connected children) and defines "micro-schools" as tuition-charging entities providing instruction without public school status. It requires schools receiving ESA funds to meet reporting standards and ensures students must have attended a public school for minimum hours or meet other specified enrollment requirements. This bill updates the legal framework governing the existing ESA program without creating new funding.
HB 2453 modifies Arizona's business filing fees to redirect funds toward arts funding. It requires that one-third of the annual report fees paid by domestic and foreign corporations (currently $45 per report) be deposited into the Arizona Arts Trust Fund, while the remaining two-thirds go to the Public Access Fund. This change applies to all businesses required to file annual reports with the state. The bill does not alter the fee amount but specifies where the funds are directed.
HB 2668 allocates $5 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund broadband infrastructure projects. The bill directs the state treasurer to distribute these funds as grants to cities and towns with populations under 100,000. This provides direct financial support for local governments to expand high-speed internet access in smaller communities. The bill is currently in early legislative stages, having passed its first two House readings.
HB 2848 invalidates restrictive covenants that prevent grocery stores or supermarkets from operating on land designated for fresh food sales, directly affecting landowners with such covenants and grocery stores seeking to relocate. The bill allows these covenants to remain enforceable only if a grocery store relocates within one year to a similar-sized store within half a mile of its closed location, provided the original site was used for grocery sales within six months prior, and the covenant term ends within 18 months of closure. It does not apply to agreements signed before the law takes effect. The law aims to prevent landowners from blocking grocery store relocations that maintain food access in communities.
HB 2768 prohibits payment card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) from charging interchange fees based on transaction amounts that include Arizona's sales or use taxes. It specifically bans fees calculated as a percentage of the total transaction price, including tax, and prevents networks from circumventing this rule through other fee structures. The bill requires networks to disclose fee changes to Arizona's Attorney General and the public 90 days before implementation, and to annually list which issuers (banks) used those fees for transactions in Arizona. This directly affects merchants who accept card payments and the banks/ networks that process those transactions.
HB 2886 establishes a technical assistance program for native business owners in Arizona, directly affecting tribal business owners seeking state contracts. The bill requires the state authority to create rules prioritizing cooperatives, artisans, and rural businesses, and expanding state procurement preferences for native-owned businesses. Key provisions focus on setting up administrative guidelines to improve access to state contracts for these businesses. The bill is currently in early legislative stages (House first/second reading) with no voting record yet.
HB 2899 requires most health and disability insurers in Arizona to cover prosthetic devices starting January 1, 2027. It mandates coverage for devices meeting a patient’s medical needs (as determined by their doctor) and additional devices needed for specific recreational activities like running, swimming, skiing, and team sports. The law applies to hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health care services organizations, and disability insurers. It does not change existing coverage for basic medical needs but expands requirements to include recreational use. This affects all Arizona residents with qualifying insurance policies who need prosthetic devices.
