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AFCCA Updates
SB1668 (disposition; remains; authorization; legal decision making) Sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick clarifies in statute who has decision making authority over a decedent minor in very specific instances. This bill was voted out of the Senate with bipartisan support, we are now waiting for it to be sent to the Governor for final action.
The Association has been working closely with the Department of Health Services to develop an outline for the policies and procedures manuals that each establishment will be required to adopt under the new rules. This outline is intended to ease the drafting process for members as the industry works toward full compliance. It is worth noting that while the current implementation date is set for July 4, that date falls on both a federal holiday and a Saturday, meaning the rules will effectively become enforceable the following Monday, July 6.
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 Twenty One
With just 25 days remaining until Arizona lawmakers reach their constitutionally mandated deadline to approve a state budget, and with primary ballots scheduled to begin mailing on June 24, attention at the Capitol is focused on negotiations between Governor Katie Hobbs and Republican legislative leaders. While both sides have indicated that discussions are progressing and a budget agreement may be within reach, budget negotiations are expected to drive legislative activity over the remaining weeks in June as lawmakers work toward a final adjournment.
Both chambers reconvened on Monday, the Senate met Monday before recessing for the week, and the House reconvened after a month-long recess and remained in session through Tuesday. With the Governor’s bill moratorium now lifted, lawmakers continued moving bills through the legislative process, sending additional measures to the Governor for consideration and advancing legislation toward final passage.
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 19 (Southeastern AZ): Legislative District 19 encompasses all of Greenlee County and portions of Cochise, Graham, Pima, and Santa Cruz counties. The district is one of the more Republican-leaning districts in Arizona, with approximately 43% of registered voters affiliated with the Republican Party compared to roughly 23% registered Democrats. The district’s legislative delegation is poised for a small reshuffling in 2026. Senator David Gowan is term-limited from seeking reelection to the Senate and is instead running for a House seat. At the same time, Representative Gail Griffin is seeking to move from the House to the open Senate seat. Representative Griffin is running against Democrat Ryan Slawson in the general election.
LD 22 (West Valley): Legislative District 22 encompasses Avondale and Tolleson and has roughly 45% of registered voters identifying as Democrats. Senator Eva Diaz and Representative Elda Luna-Najera are both seeking reelection to their current seats. Representative Lupe Contreras is not seeking reelection after representing the district in both the House and Senate since 2013. There are four other Democratic candidates in the primary election for the two house seats, Veronica Bejarano-Malone, Steven Chapman, Gwendalyn Johnston, and Betsy Munoz. There are no Republicans running in the district in the General election, so the House members will be decided during the Primary election. Senator Eva Diaz is running unopposed.
LD 24 (West Valley): Legislative District 24 covers parts of West Phoenix and Glendale, with roughly 43% of registered voters affiliated with the Democratic Party. Senator Analise Ortiz and Representative Lydia Hernandez are both seeking reelection to their current seats. Representative Anna Abeytia is not seeking reelection. Democrats Lisbeth Arrecurenaga, Rose Cantu, and Alberto Flores have joined Representative Hernandez in the race for the district’s two House seats, setting up a competitive Democratic primary. On the Republican side, Delores McLaughlin has filed for a House seat and will advance directly to the general election. In the Senate race, Senator Ortiz is expected to face Republican Frank Steele in the general election.
The House race is expected to face a competitive Republican primary, with incumbent Representative Lupe Diaz, Senator David Gowan, and Cheryl Caswell competing for the two Republican nominations. Democrats Jackie Anderson and Aiden Swallow are also seeking the district’s two House seats in the general election.
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: 145
Bills Introduced: 1998
Bills Passed: 134
Bills Signed: 71
Bills Vetoed: 63
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