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AFCCA Updates
HB2184 (fetal death; funeral homes) sponsored by Representative Julie Willoughby (R – Chandler) extends the timeline for completing and registering death certificates from seven calendar days to 14 days, excluding weekends and holidays. Additionally, it mandates that funeral establishments obtain a disposition-transit permit for the transfer of fetal remains from a hospital or clinic when specific gestational or weight criteria are met and the woman authorizes the transfer. Lastly, the order of authority for the remains of a deceased minor is modified to defer to any existing legal decision-making awards or parenting plans that assign final authority.
This week, we met with the Governor’s office to answer their questions regarding this bill and funeral statute broadly because they are looking at potential amendments to the bill. The conversation went well, and they are aware the association is not getting involved in the legislation, however, we do not anticipate much movement as this bill still has yet to gain consensus between parties or even within the bill sponsor’s own party.
You can track the status of these bills on your live interactive tracking link found here –Skywolf AI– this link will automatically update as the bills move through the process. As always please do not hesitate to let me know if you would like to make any additions or removals from your bill tracking list.
Arizona Legislative Session Weekly Report – Week Fifteen
The Legislature has officially passed 100 days in session with still no budget, though other chamber activity continued this week. Interim Director of the Arizona Department of Housing, Ruby Dhillon-Williams, cleared the Director Nominations (DINO) committee 3-2 and should move to a final Senate floor vote with broad support from industry professionals. Additionally, Representative David Marshall resigned his LD7 seat to serve as Navajo County Recorder, and we are closely monitoring the battleground districts—including LD 2, 4, 9, and 17—that will determine who controls the legislature after this November’s elections.
DINO Committee
Director Ruby Dhillon-Williams, the interim director of the Arizona Department of Housing, narrowly cleared the Senate Director Nomination Committee (DINO) on Monday with a 3-2 recommendation for confirmation. Senate President Pro Tempore TJ Shope (R, Coolidge) was the only Republican in the committee that voted in support of Director Dhillon-Williams. During the committee hearing, Dhillon-Williams discussed the Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and addressed concerns regarding a 2024 sunset review audit that identified past financial oversight gaps. Despite the narrow vote, Chairman Jake Hoffman (R, Queen Creek) commended her professionalism and existing relationships with industry professionals. The nomination went through caucus on Tuesday and now awaits the Senate floor for a final vote.
David Marshall Resignation
Representative David Marshall (R, Show Low) resigned from the Legislature last week following his appointment to the position of Navajo County Recorder. The Navajo County Board of Supervisors selected Marshall to fill the vacancy left by the previous recorder, citing his legislative and administrative experience. His departure now triggers the process to fill the vacancy in LD7; Republican precinct committeemen will nominate three candidates and the Navajo County Board of Supervisors will make the final selection of who will serve the remainder of the term. Former Representative David Cook is running for the seat in the general election and is likely to be one of the three selected by the precinct committeemen.
Election Updates:
With narrow Republican majorities in the House (33-27), and the Senate (17-13), and the November elections fast approaching, we wanted to highlight some of the key districts we are monitoring that are going to be battleground districts this election cycle ultimately determining the leadership at our state legislature.
LD 2 (North Phoenix): This North Phoenix district remains one of the most closely watched split delegations in the state. Currently represented by Senator Shawnna Bolick (R), Representative Justin Wilmeth (R), and Representative Stephanie Simacek (D), the district is a key battleground district for Republicans and Democrats this session, Republican Senator Shawnna Bolick won by less than 4%, and Democratic Representative Simacek received the most votes out of all House members running for the district.
LD 4 (Scottsdale/Arcadia/Paradise Valley): After years of bipartisan representation, this district is now held by an all-Republican delegation. Senator Carine Werner, and Representatives Pam Carter and Matt Gress are all running for re-election, former Democratic House Representative Aaron Lieberman is running for the Senate seat. This is a key swing district because it is not clear yet whether the Republican win in 2024 will be the same in 2026 without a presidential nominee at the top of the ticket.
LD 9 (Mesa): LD 9 has historically been a strong Democratic district, however in recent elections has had increasingly narrow victory margins. This district is currently represented by Senator Kiana Sears, and Representatives Seth Blattman and Lorena Austin. However, Representative Blattman is not seeking reelection, and Senator Sears is being challenged by Republican Bridget Fitzgibbons, who has garnered significant business and community support.
LD 17 (Pima County/Tucson): This Southern Arizona district spanning Oro Valley and Northern Pima County is currently split between Senator Vince Leach (R), Representative Rachel Keshel (R), and Representative Kevin Volk (D). Senator Leach is not seeking reelection, leaving this Senate seat open. With Republicans holding onto their remaining seats by slim margins, LD 17 continues to be a central focus for both parties in the fight for the legislative majority.
Read more here for a comprehensive breakdown of who is running for what elected position in Arizona in 2026, and here’s a breakdown of who wants to represent you locally in metro Phoenix.
Key Election Dates / Deadlines:
- Candidate Filling Period: February 21 – March 23, 2026
- Voter Registration Deadline: June 22, 2026
- Early Voting Begins/Ballots Mailed: June 24, 2026
- Primary Election: July 21, 2026
- Voter Registration Deadline: October 5, 2026
- General Election Early Voting Begins/Ballots Mailed: October 7, 2026
- Election Day: November 3, 2026
By the Numbers:
Days of Session: 103
Bills Introduced: 1966
Bills Passed: 109
Bills Signed: 64
Bills Vetoed: 45
Key Dates:
Opening Day: January 12th, 2026
Senate Bill Introduction Deadline: February 2nd, 2026
House Bill Introduction Deadline: February 9th, 2026
Last week to hear bills in committee in chamber of origin: February 16th to February 20th
Final week of committees: March 23rd to March 27th
100th day of session: April 21st, 2026
Budget Deadline (constitutionally required): July 1st, 2026