Advocacy

Arizona Legislative Session Weekly Report - Week Nineteen  

You can find your live interactive tracking link here -Skywolf AI- this link will automatically update as the bills move through the process.

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:

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:

Budget Deadline (constitutionally required): July 1st, 2026 

BOMA Updates

This Wednesday, members of BOMA's board and advocacy committee met at the State Capitol for an afternoon of education and advocacy at the Legislature. The group heard about what it means to be a Legislator from Senator Tim Dunn (R - Yuma) and Senator Flavio Bravo (D - Phoenix) before taking a tour of the Old Capitol and Senate buildings. It was a great opportunity for members to see firsthand how the legislative process works and to feel better equipped to advocate on behalf of the industry.

As budget negotiations continue at the Capitol, the future of the Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District has emerged as an advocacy concern. Legislative proposals suggest ending the approximately $19 million in annual diverted state sales tax that serves as the district's primary revenue stream. Rio Nuevo functions as a tax increment financing tool for downtown Tucson. The district has provided support for small business tenants and managed projects including the Sunshine Mile on Broadway, the Caterpillar facility, and upgrades to the Tucson Convention Center.

The removal of the district would affect current and planned projects, such as new hotels and the redevelopment of the Friedman Block, as these developments utilize Rio Nuevo’s investment to secure private capital. Beyond capital projects, the district funds urban maintenance and safety initiatives through the Downtown Tucson Partnership, including off-duty police patrols and landscaping services. Additionally, the district carries $80 million in outstanding bond debt; ending its revenue stream would leave the repayment source for these obligations undefined. With the legislature set to return on June 1, these negotiations will determine the state's continued involvement in the district's redevelopment framework.

We will keep you updated as these negotiations progress. You can track the status of these bills and more 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. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team if you need anything at all.

Courtney LeVinus 

courtney@azcapitolconsulting.com

602-390-1398

Anna Oliver 

anna@azcapitolconsulting.com

602-736-0526

Eva Brauer 

eva@azcapitolconsulting.com

520-306-6540