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 2867 clarifies that Arizona driver's licenses are not proof of citizenship. The bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes to adjust definitions and prohibitions related to driver's license issuance, ensuring citizenship status is not required for obtaining a license. It prevents driver's licenses from being treated as evidence of citizenship in any context. This change directly affects all Arizona residents applying for or renewing a driver's license.
HB 2465 modifies Arizona's licensing requirements for professionals like certified public accountants by changing documentation rules. It prohibits state agencies from requiring applicants to provide citizenship or alien status documentation when applying for a license. Instead, agencies must accept a federal tax identification number in place of a Social Security number for licensing applications. This applies to all state agencies, departments, or boards issuing business or service licenses, directly affecting individuals seeking professional licenses in Arizona. The bill does not alter educational or experience requirements for licensure, only the documentation process.
HB 2962 prohibits landlords in Arizona from discriminating against tenants based on their source of income, such as government housing vouchers (e.g., Section 8), social security, veterans benefits, or other rental assistance programs. It specifically bans landlords from refusing to rent, evicting, charging more, or imposing different terms because a tenant relies on these income sources. Landlords must count rental assistance toward income requirements when evaluating applicants, ensuring subsidies like housing vouchers are treated equally with other income. Violations are addressed under existing anti-discrimination laws, with enforcement handled by the attorney general. This directly affects renters using public assistance and landlords who screen applicants.
SB 1444 creates a state-funded deportation task force led by sheriffs' associations to coordinate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on deporting individuals who entered the U.S. illegally and have: (1) a criminal conviction, (2) been alleged to have committed a crime, (3) been detained based on criminal suspicion, or (4) been detained related to a crime. It defines "law enforcement agency" to include municipal police departments and county sheriff's offices. The bill appropriates funds for the task force's establishment and operation in fiscal year 2026-2027, exempting the funding from standard budget lapse rules. This policy directly affects non-citizens with criminal connections who interact with Arizona law enforcement.
HB 2572 modifies Arizona law to expand in-state tuition eligibility for certain students. It allows nonimmigrant aliens (excluding those covered under 8 U.S. Code § 1101(a)(15)) who attended Arizona high school for two years and graduated locally (including homeschoolers) to qualify for in-state rates at Arizona public universities and community colleges. This includes students without lawful immigration status who meet the residency requirements. The bill requires a three-fourths legislative vote for enactment under Arizona's Constitution.
HCR 2027 would change Arizona's rules for determining in-state tuition eligibility at public universities and community colleges. To qualify as an in-state student for tuition purposes starting July 1, 2027, students must have completed at least two years of K-12 education in Arizona (in public, private, or homeschool settings, or via an Arizona scholarship program), graduated from an Arizona high school or earned an Arizona high school equivalency diploma, and be a U.S. citizen, legal resident, or hold lawful immigration status. Community colleges would be required to deny in-state tuition rates to students who do not meet these new criteria. The bill is a voter-approved measure, currently awaiting approval in the next general election.
SB 1374 defines key terms related to Arizona driver's license records and personal information. It specifies that "highly restricted personal information" includes consular identification card numbers, social security numbers, medical details, and driver license data. The bill requires "express consent" (including electronic signatures) for releasing such sensitive information from the Department of Motor Vehicles. This affects drivers whose personal data is stored in DMV records and the state agency managing those records.
SB 1157 appropriates $20 million from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to reimburse cities, towns, and counties that install supplemental fencing or bollard walls in high-crossing areas along the southern border. The bill directly affects local governments bordering Mexico by covering costs for physical barriers in areas with frequent border crossings. It provides a specific funding mechanism to support local border security infrastructure projects without creating new regulations. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, focused solely on reimbursing existing or planned border barrier installations.
SB 1338 requires Arizona state and local agencies administering public benefits to verify applicants' lawful presence in the U.S. by providing one of 11 specific documents (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents). It directly affects individuals applying for state/local public benefits, mandating a sworn affidavit confirming document accuracy and imposing penalties for employees who fail to report immigration violations. The bill excludes commercial licenses, retirement benefits, and widely available public services from its requirements. Enforcement includes potential misdemeanor charges for non-compliance and allows residents to legally challenge agencies in court for violations.
