Budget & Taxes (Fees & Licensing)

HCR 2052 is a proposed voter referendum that would impose a temporary freeze on municipal and county fee, tax, and utility rate increases in Arizona. It would prohibit cities and counties from raising these charges above 2025-2026 budget levels from July 2026 through June 2030, covering fees for services, permits, utility rates, and transaction taxes. Exceptions include voter-approved increases meeting specific criteria (60% approval in even-year elections). If approved by voters, the freeze would take effect on July 1, 2026, and expire on June 30, 2030. This measure directly affects local governments and residents/businesses paying municipal or county fees and services.

HB 4030 imposes a 4-year freeze (2026-2030) on most fee, tax, and utility rate increases for Arizona cities and counties. It prohibits local governments from raising fees above 2025-2026 budget levels, increasing transaction taxes beyond current rates, or creating new tax classifications, while banning tactics like renaming fees to bypass the rule. Exceptions include voter-approved tax hikes requiring 60%+ support in even-year elections. The bill directly affects all municipal and county budgets, with enforcement allowing affected residents or businesses to seek court action for violations. It covers fees for permits, services, utilities, and development, but does not restrict fee reductions or rate increases due to higher demand.

SCR 1028 is a proposed constitutional amendment (not a regular bill) that would require a two-thirds vote in both Arizona legislative chambers to pass any law increasing state revenues. It defines "revenue increases" to include new taxes, higher tax rates, fee hikes, or changes to tax deductions/exemptions, while excluding effects like inflation. If approved by voters, it would change the process for future revenue-raising measures, requiring supermajority approval instead of a simple majority. The amendment is now scheduled for voter approval at the next general election.