HB 2192 requires content creators (parents/guardians producing compensated video content featuring minors) to pay minors compensation when specific thresholds are met: the minor appears in at least 30% of the creator's compensated content over 30 days, and the content generates at least $0.10 per view or $15,000 in annual earnings. The bill mandates creators to deposit earnings into a trust account for the minor until age 18, maintain detailed records of minor appearances and earnings for 10 years after the minor turns 21, and provide regular access to these records. It directly affects minors under 18 featured in online content and their guardians who create such content for compensation. The law also allows minors to request removal of their identifiable information from content.
HB 2138 clarifies that professional firefighters employed by city, town, county, or fire district departments are considered "in the course and scope of employment" for workers' compensation purposes if injured or killed while traveling directly to or from work. This directly affects firefighters in these specific municipal fire departments by ensuring commute-related injuries qualify for workers' comp benefits, provided they were not engaged in criminal activity. The bill explicitly states it does not create new employer liability for negligent or intentional conduct during commutes. The law was passed by the Arizona House of Representatives on February 3, 2026, and transmitted to the Senate.
HB 2812 allows Arizona state and county employees in specific retirement systems (like the Arizona State Retirement System or public safety plans) to receive cash payments for unused sick leave upon retirement. Payments are calculated as 25% of an employee’s hourly rate for 500-750 hours, 33% for 750-1,000 hours, and 50% for 1,000+ hours (capped at $57,600 total). Employees may choose to receive payments as a lump sum or over three years, and the law specifies these payments do not count toward retirement benefits or salary calculations. The bill applies retroactively to certain university employees under the Arizona Board of Regents but excludes those receiving federal sick leave payments.
SB 1216 requires Arizona employers (including state and local governments) to provide up to 12 paid counseling visits for public safety employees exposed to specific traumatic events while on duty, such as witnessing death/maiming, responding to dangerous child crimes, or life-threatening rescues. It excludes police officers and firefighters but covers roles like 911 dispatchers, crime scene technicians, probation officers, and juvenile detention officers. Employers must track participation, missed work, and workers' compensation claims related to the program, reporting annual data to the state. The bill repeals prior laws that set different visit limits (e.g., six visits annually before 2017) and defines "licensed counseling" by specific mental health professional standards.
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.
HB 2680 creates a public database requiring Arizona employers to disclose workers' compensation insurance details. It mandates insurers to submit policy information - including employer name, insurer, policy expiration, and employee counts - to the state commission, with each policy including a QR code linking to the database. Employers claiming "zero estimated exposure" (no employees) must sign an affidavit confirming this, and must notify contractors directly if they hold such a policy. This affects all employers with workers' comp coverage, insurers, and contractors who receive zero-exposure notifications.
HB 2917 establishes an Arizona firefighter cancer registry to track cancer diagnoses among firefighters. The registry collects specific data - including cancer type, diagnosis date, years of service, and occupational exposure - voluntarily from firefighters, fire departments, healthcare providers, and existing cancer databases. All personal information remains confidential and cannot be used to determine eligibility for workers' compensation, retirement, or insurance benefits. The state health department must analyze the aggregated data and submit annual reports to the governor and legislature starting in 2027, focusing on trends and prevention recommendations.
HB 2591 amends Arizona law to define key terms related to apprenticeships and designates the Department of Economic Security as the state agency responsible for registering apprenticeship programs under federal requirements. The bill requires registered apprenticeships to include written agreements, defined training plans, progressive wage increases, safety training, and certificates of completion. This directly affects the Department of Economic Security (which will manage registration) and employers or training providers seeking to offer registered apprenticeships in Arizona. The changes align Arizona's apprenticeship system with federal standards while establishing clear quality requirements for participants.
HB 2231 presumes that certain cancers, including adenocarcinoma, are work-related for Arizona firefighters and fire investigators who meet specific conditions. It applies to current and former firefighters diagnosed with listed cancers (like adenocarcinoma, leukemia, or lung cancer) within 15 years of leaving hazardous duty service, provided they: passed a pre-employment physical without cancer signs, served at least five years in hazardous roles, and meet medical exam standards. The presumption can be challenged if evidence shows non-occupational causes (e.g., tobacco use outside work) contributed to the cancer. This bill expands existing occupational disease protections for firefighters, adding adenocarcinoma to the list of presumed work-related cancers under Arizona law.
