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AFCCA Updates
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 now lifted, this bill could begin moving again at any point.
Following our meeting with the Department of Health Services last week, we have been working diligently 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
The Senate reconvened on Tuesday following the Memorial Day holiday, advancing several bipartisan bills that had been awaiting final action since the Governor lifted her bill moratorium. The Senate has adjourned until June 1, when the House is also scheduled to return.
Much of the Legislature’s focus over the past several weeks has been devoted to budget negotiations. While the timeline remains fluid, we expect a final budget agreement to begin taking shape in the coming weeks, which should provide greater certainty regarding the Legislature’s remaining priorities and the path forward for bills still awaiting action before adjournment.
Fiscal Update
Recent revenue data may provide additional momentum for those budget discussions. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) released its Monthly Fiscal Highlights report this week. General Fund revenue collections for April came in at $2.02 billion, 9.1% above April 2025 and $115 million above the January Baseline revenue forecast, bringing the year-to-date cumulative forecast gain to $55 million.
While these gains are relatively modest in the context of the overall state budget, they are nevertheless a positive development and place the state in a stronger position than if revenues were continuing to come in below forecast.
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 6 (Northern Arizona): Legislative District 6 encompasses parts of Coconino County and the Navajo Nation, and is a strong Democratic district with nearly 50% of registered voters affiliated with the Democratic Party. Senator Theresa Hatathlie is retiring at the conclusion of this cycle, with Representative Myron Tsosie seeking to move up and fill her Senate seat. Tsosie faces a Democratic primary challenge from his current seatmate’s daughter, Jamescita Peshlakai. On the House side, Representative Mae Peshlakai is seeking reelection, while Angela Maloney and Ian Teller are both vying for the open seat.
LD 7 (Northern Arizona): Legislative District 7 covers large rural portions of Northern Arizona, including Flagstaff, Show Low, Pinetop, and parts of the Navajo Nation, and is a Republican stronghold with roughly 50% of registered voters affiliated with the Republican Party. Senator Wendy Rogers is seeking reelection to the Senate, while Representative Walt Blackman is also seeking reelection to the House. The House seats have drawn a competitive Republican primary with former Representative David Cook seeking a return to the Legislature, alongside candidates Andrew Costanzo, Barby Ingle, and Samuel “Sam” Martin.
LD 10 (East Valley): Legislative District 10 encompasses parts of the East Valley and Mesa, and is a Republican stronghold with roughly 50% of registered voters affiliated with the Republican Party. Senator David Farnsworth is seeking reelection to the Senate. In the House, Representative Justin Olson is seeking another term, while Representative Dr. Ralph Heap’s decision to run for the Arizona Corporation Commission has opened one of the district’s House seats. Republican candidates Ciara Anderson and James Rogers have both entered the race, setting the stage for what could be a competitive Republican primary for the district’s two House nominations.
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: 138
Bills Introduced: 1998
Bills Passed: 128
Bills Signed: 65
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