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AFCCA Updates
The Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRRC) has officially approved the Funeral Board incorporation rules, marking the final step in the rule approval process.
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. Following our meeting with the Governor’s office, this bill has not moved.
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 Eighteen
The Senate reconvened this week on Monday, while the House remains adjourned until June 1. Although there had initially been expectations that the Senate would also recess until June 1, the chamber instead adjourned only until Monday, May 18. This shorter adjournment can be viewed as a strong indication that budget negotiations are actively progressing behind the scenes.
Over the past week, we have heard from multiple legislative sources that the start of a budget agreement is beginning to come together, with negotiations between legislative leadership and the Governor’s Office intensifying this week. The Senate’s decision to remain on a much shorter recess schedule also suggests leadership wants to preserve flexibility to quickly reconvene members should negotiations reach a point where budget bills are ready to move. If a budget agreement were to come to fruition, the House can call its members back with 72 hours notice.
Senate Director Nominations Committee:
General John Conley appeared before the Senate Director Nominations Committee (DINO) on Monday for his nomination hearing that focused on his military record and border enforcement views. This hearing was particularly time-sensitive for Gen. John Conley; per state law, he must be confirmed by May 23 to continue serving as the head of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. While the committee ultimately voted 3-2 to recommend his confirmation, both he and Ruby Dhillon-Williams—the nominee for the Department of Housing—have yet to receive a final vote from the full Senate. It is anticipated that both nominees will be brought to the floor for a final vote when the Senate reconvenes on Monday, May 18.
Beyond these appointments, the Senate Leadership and the Governor’s Office remain focused on budget negotiations and tying up loose ends of any remaining legislation.
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 3 (North Scottdale/Fountain Hills): Legislative District 3 remains a strong Republican-leaning district, with nearly 50% of registered voters affiliated with the Republican Party. Former Representative Joseph Chaplik resigned from the Legislature in March to focus on his campaign for Arizona’s Congressional District 1 seat. Following his resignation, Representative Cody Reim, who is also currently seeking election in the district, was appointed to fill the vacancy. Representative Alex Kolodin is separately pursuing a campaign for Arizona Secretary of State, leaving an additional open House seat to be determined through a competitive four-way Republican primary.
Republican candidates currently running for the House in LD3 include George Khalaf, Jay Schlum, Thomas Walsh II, and Representative Cody Reim. Democratic candidates in the race include Julie Gable and Rick Spargo. On the Senate side, incumbent Senator John Kavanagh is facing a Republican primary challenge from Robert Wallace. Democratic candidate Jeffrey Fortney is currently running in the general election race for the seat.
LD 5 (Central Phoenix): This central Phoenix district remains a strong Democratic district, with Democratic voters comprising a large majority of the electorate. Senator Lela Alston, one of the Legislature’s longest-serving members, is retiring at the conclusion of this cycle, bringing to a close a legislative career that has spanned nearly three decades. Former Legislative District 4 Senator Christine Marsh is running for the open Senate seat following her move into Legislative Distict 5. In the House, incumbent Representatives Sarah Liguori and Aaron Márquez are both expected to return and are positioned strongly for reelection running unopposed.
LD 14 (Queen Creek): Senate President Warren Petersen is running for Attorney General, leaving the Legislative District 14 Senate seat open in a safely Republican district. Mylie Biggs, daughter of Congressman Andy Biggs, is currently running unopposed for the Republican primary and will face Democrat Stephanie Walsh in the general election. On the House side, Representative Khyl Powell is not seeking reelection, leaving one of the district’s House seats open. The open seat has drawn a four-way Republican primary between incumbent Representative Laurin Hendrix, Tyler Farnsworth, Jedidiah “Jed” Lyons, and Mary Rose.
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: 124
Bills Introduced: 1,998
Bills Passed: 125
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