SB 1152 requires applicants for Arizona state or local public benefits (such as healthcare or food assistance) to provide specific documents proving lawful U.S. presence, including Arizona driver licenses, birth certificates, or immigration documents. It specifically prohibits individuals with pending asylum applications from receiving benefits until an immigration judge grants asylum. The bill establishes penalties for agency employees who fail to report immigration violations (class 2 misdemeanor) and allows any Arizona resident to sue agencies for noncompliance. Key provisions include requiring sworn affidavits about document accuracy and exempting certain groups like tribal members from standard documentation under federal guidance. This bill directly affects non-citizens applying for public benefits and changes eligibility requirements under Arizona law.
This bill requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse independent pharmacies at actual cost for prescription drugs or devices, not below that cost. It mandates a minimum professional dispensing fee and creates a 7-business-day appeal process for pharmacies challenging low reimbursements. If a pharmacy wins an appeal, the PBM must adjust payments retroactively, apply the change to similar pharmacies, and allow rebilling. The law applies to new contracts entered after December 31, 2026.
HB 2603 creates mobile veteran service units to provide healthcare and support directly to rural and tribal veterans in Arizona who face travel barriers. These units will offer monthly community visits, telehealth access (especially for veterans with disabilities), behavioral health services, claims assistance, and mental health referrals in six specified counties: Navajo, Apache, Coconino, Mohave, Yavapai, and Gila. The units must comply with accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The department must report quarterly starting in 2027 on the number of veterans served, types of aid provided, claims filed, and improvement suggestions.
HB 2685 allocates $5 million from a consumer restitution fund to provide three-year grants for up to three telehealth mental health providers serving Arizona K-12 schools. The grants fund providers who offer free, evidence-based mental health services (like therapy for anxiety and depression) via telehealth during school hours, coordinate with school staff, and serve all students regardless of insurance or payment ability. Providers must meet specific criteria, including not having received prior state funding for similar services and demonstrating capacity to serve diverse communities from urban to tribal schools. The funding is exempt from standard appropriation lapsing rules until June 2029. This bill directly affects Arizona public school students by expanding access to in-school mental health support through telehealth.
SB 1095 prohibits health professionals in Arizona from providing gender transition procedures, irreversible gender reassignment surgery, or referrals for such procedures to individuals under 18 years old. The bill allows exceptions for medical conditions like disorders of sex development (e.g., XX virilization or XY undervirilization) or treatments for infections, injuries, or life-threatening conditions. It also bans the use of public funds for gender transition procedures for minors in state-run facilities or by state-employed health professionals. The law establishes disciplinary action for violations and allows individuals to seek legal remedies for noncompliance.
HB 2301 prohibits businesses from charging more than 10% above pre-emergency prices for essential goods (like food, water, medical supplies, and rent) during a declared state of emergency. It classifies violations as felonies: selling over $500 worth of such goods in 24 hours during an emergency is a class 5 felony, while under $500 is a class 6 felony. The Arizona Attorney General is authorized to investigate and enforce these rules under existing consumer protection laws. This bill directly affects businesses selling essential commodities during emergencies, not the general public.
HB 2209 prohibits health profession regulatory boards from taking retaliatory actions against health professionals who report misconduct. It protects health professionals, applicants, residents, fellows, and trainees who make "protected disclosures" about violations of law, patient safety risks, misuse of authority, or other misconduct. Key mechanisms include requiring boards to prove non-retaliatory motives if a complaint is filed, allowing civil lawsuits for remedies like reinstated licenses, damages up to $25,000 per violation, and confidential investigations by attorneys general or county attorneys. The law defines retaliatory actions broadly to include license denials, expanded investigations, or public harassment.
HB 2660 amends Arizona's chiropractic licensure laws to expand the grounds for disciplinary action against chiropractors. It adds specific prohibitions, including deceptive advertising (e.g., advertising "free" services without disclosing what's included), billing for unprovided services, and soliciting vulnerable patients (like accident victims within 15 days) without proper consent. The bill also strengthens the board's investigation powers, allowing it to require medical/mental exams during probes and issue emergency license suspensions if public safety is at immediate risk. These changes directly affect licensed chiropractors in Arizona by increasing accountability for conduct impacting patient safety and transparency in billing and advertising.
SB 1132 appropriates state general fund money for the construction of a new wing at the Arizona State Hospital to expand its facilities. The bill directs the Department of Health Services to use these funds during fiscal year 2026-2027 for this specific construction project. This funding directly supports the hospital's infrastructure improvements and its ability to serve patients. The bill is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes beyond the allocation.
HB 2939 creates a state income tax credit for businesses expanding or locating qualified facilities in Arizona. It directly affects businesses that make new capital investments, create qualifying jobs paying at least 125% of the median wage (100% in rural areas), and provide 65% employer-paid health insurance. The credit equals 10% of qualifying investments, capped at $200,000-$300,000 per new job, with a $125 million annual cap and $30 million per business limit. Businesses must retain operations at the facility for five years and claim credits in five equal installments over time.