Provided by Capitol Consulting, LLC
The Arizona Legislature Adjourned Sine Die on Friday, June 27th and has completed its work for its 57th legislative session!
Please note that we will send out a final legislative report summary that will be distributed within a couple weeks!
The November 2026 election is 16 months away, but already three ballot issues await voters.
State lawmakers referred three questions for voters to decide in 2026: a limit on food taxes, a law to keep government from peeking at your odometer, and a designation of cartels as terrorists.
More measures could still be added, as lawmakers introduced dozens of proposals this year and have all of next year to bring more forward. In 2024, a crowded ballot required two sheets and led to voter complaints about the number of issues to consider. Any approved measure becomes part of the state constitution and can only be changed by another public vote.
November 2026 Ballot Measures:
1. No Food Tax Without a Vote of the Public
House Concurrent Resolution 2021
This measure would require cities and counties to get voter approval before creating or increasing food taxes. Currently, local governments can approve these taxes on their own. It also includes a temporary freeze on new or increased food taxes until June 30, 2027.
Sponsored by Rep. Leo Biasiucci (R–Lake Havasu City) with bipartisan support, the goal is to keep groceries affordable. Some local officials are concerned about losing revenue from food sales taxes.
2. No Tax on Your Car’s Mileage
Senate Concurrent Resolution 1004
This measure would prohibit any Arizona government from imposing taxes or fees based on miles driven on public roads.
Arizona does not currently have a mileage tax, and this measure would ensure that remains the case. Supporters argue it protects personal freedom and prevents government overreach. Sen. Jake Hoffman, the sponsor, described mileage taxes as a way to control how people travel.
While some states have tested mileage taxes to fund roads or reduce pollution, the idea remains controversial. This measure passed along party lines, with Republican support and Democratic opposition or absence.
3. Cartels As Terrorist Organizations
House Concurrent Resolution 2055
This measure would classify drug cartels as terrorist organizations and direct Arizona’s Department of Homeland Security to use all available resources to counter their influence.
Sponsored by House Speaker Steve Montenegro, supporters say it builds on Proposition 314, which voters approved in 2024 to give Arizona more authority over border enforcement. That law’s implementation is currently delayed by a Texas court case on a similar issue.
Critics warn that the measure’s broad enforcement powers could put victims of human trafficking at risk. The measure passed the House in February and, after initial delays, passed the Senate on the final day of the session with support from all Republican senators.