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AFCCA Updates
Following the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRRC) formally approving the Funeral Board incorporation rules, the Department of Health Services and the Association met this week to discuss implementation next steps, including the development of policy and procedure guidelines for funeral industry businesses. We continue to work closely together to ensure that businesses have the resources and information needed to come into full compliance with the new rules as seamlessly as possible.
SB1668 (disposition; remains; authorization; legal decision making) Sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick moved through caucus since it was amended with a Strike Everything Amendment that replaces its text with legislation that would clarify in statute who has decision making authority over a decedent minor in very specific instances. This bill was voted unanimously out of the House and will now return to the Senate for a final vote before being sent to the Governor’s desk. With the Governor’s bill moratorium still in effect, significant movement on legislation is not expected until a final budget agreement is reached.
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 Nineteen
The Senate reconvened on Monday, while the House remained adjourned until June 1. Governor Hobbs lifted her veto moratorium over the weekend as well, which signals that budget negotiations are moving in a positive direction and legislation ready for the Governor’s desk can move up without the risk of a veto. Following Monday’s business, the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, May 26, following the Memorial Day weekend.
Early indications and conversations circulating within the Senate suggest that a budget agreement could be ready to be introduced as early as next week. House and Senate leadership have been meeting consistently over the past two weeks with the Governor’s Office to negotiate. While timing remains fluid and subject to ongoing negotiations, there appears to be growing momentum toward reaching a final budget package before early ballots are mailed out on June 24 to allow members with primary elections to return to their districts and focus on their campaigns.
Senate Director Nominations Committee:
The Senate voted on two of the Governor’s Director Nominations on Monday. The chamber voted on a voice vote to confirm Ruby Dhillon-Williams as the Director of the Department of Housing (ADOH), and General John Conley as Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) with only Senator Wendy Rogers voting Nay. General John Conley’s confirmation comes just ahead of a statutory May 23 deadline that would have otherwise required him to vacate the role.
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 districts we are monitoring with open seats.
LD 12 (South Phoenix / Ahwatukee): Legislative District 12 generally considered a moderately Democratic-leaning district, with 32% of voters registered as democrats. This district covers South Phoenix and Ahwatukee. Earlier this year, Senator Mitzi Epstein announced her plans to retire from the state legislature and endorsed current Representative Patty Contreras to take her place in the Senate. Representative Contreras is being challenged by Independent Anthony Ramirez in the general election. Representative Stacey Travers is seeking reelection to the House. Law Student Armando Montero (D) is currently running for the open house seat. Both are being challenged in the general election by David Richardson (R).
LD 13 (Chandler / Queen Creek): Legislative District 13 has historically been considered a swing district, though Republicans have been able to hold all three elected seats over the last two terms. The district has roughly 36% of registered voters registered as Republicans. Senator JD Mesnard will term out of the Senate this year and has decided to run for Justice of the Peace. House Majority Whip Julie Willoughby has decided to run for the open Senate seat and she is being challenged by Kristie O’Brien (D) in the general election. Representative Jeff Weininger announced late last year that he will be running for Mayor of Chandler, leaving both seats open in the House of Representatives. The two open house seats have drawn a three-way Republican primary between current Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke, Janet Weninger, and Debra Schinke. Racquel “Rockee” Armstrong (D), and Jacob Weinberg (D), are also running for the open seats in the general election.
LD 30 (Mohave County): LD30 is a Republican stronghold district, with 56% of voters registered as Republican. Senator Hildy Angius and Representative John Gillette are both not seeking reelection. Representative Leo Biasiucci is running for the open Senate seat unopposed, leaving two seats open in the House. These safe republican seats have attracted a five-way Republican primary between Catherine Lopez-Rajaniemi, David Rose, Mike Gannuscio, Grace Hecht, and Caroline Strecker. There are two democrats running in the general election for the open seats as well, Christine Scianna and Brian McMahan.
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: 131
Bills Introduced: 1,998
Bills Passed: 1,998
Bills Signed: 64
Bills Vetoed: 61
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