A new bill authored by State Rep. Kolodin in the Arizona House seeks to create a regulated framework for groundwater rights transactions within key management areas, according to the Arizona State House.
The bill, introduced as HB2729 on Feb. 3, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘online exchange; groundwater sales’.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill amends Arizona’s groundwater regulations to introduce a framework for buying, selling, leasing, or conveying groundwater rights within the Phoenix, Tucson, or Pinal active management areas. It requires sellers or lessors of groundwater rights to notify the Department of Water Resources of transaction details such as buyer and seller information, lease duration, and groundwater amounts involved. Buyers or lessees are entitled to withdraw 65% of the groundwater forgone by sellers, with the remaining 35% not eligible for use or further conveyance. The bill exempts these transactions from replenishment obligations and incorporates them into water supply certification processes. Additionally, it mandates the establishment of an online water exchange for public access to transaction details. These changes aim to facilitate transparent and regulated groundwater exchanges while preserving underlying water rights and resources. An effective date is not specified within the bill.
The bill was co-sponsored by Jake Hoffman (Republican-15th District), Lisa Fink (Republican-27th District), and Ralph Heap (Republican-10th District), along with five other sponsors.
Since the beginning of the session, Kolodin has proposed another 52 bills, with two of them being adopted.
Kolodin graduated from Georgetown University with a BA and again from University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School with a JD.
Kolodin, a Republican, was elected to the Arizona State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 3rd House District, replacing previous state representative Alma Hernandez.
In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.
Bills Introduced by Your Representatives in Arizona House During 1st Regular Session of the 57th Legislative Session
| Sponsor(s) | Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2729 | 02/03/2025 | This bill amends Arizona’s groundwater regulations to introduce a framework for buying, selling, leasing, or conveying groundwater rights within the Phoenix, Tucson, or Pinal active management areas. It requires sellers or lessors of groundwater rights to notify the Department of Water Resources of transaction details such as buyer and seller information, lease duration, and groundwater amounts involved. Buyers or lessees are entitled to withdraw 65% of the groundwater forgone by sellers, with the remaining 35% not eligible for use or further conveyance. The bill exempts these transactions from replenishment obligations and incorporates them into water supply certification processes. Additionally, it mandates the establishment of an online water exchange for public access to transaction details. These changes aim to facilitate transparent and regulated groundwater exchanges while preserving underlying water rights and resources. An effective date is not specified within the bill. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2708 | 01/29/2025 | This bill aims to ensure the right to a jury trial in regulatory proceedings in Arizona. It mandates that individuals can exercise the right to trial by jury in any regulatory proceeding, regardless of other laws. The bill clarifies that this right does not limit or undermine the existing right to a jury trial in other matters. A regulatory proceeding is defined as one where the amount in controversy exceeds $20 or involves a significant liberty interest, is initiated by the government against a person, and is not commenced in the Arizona Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Superior Court, Justice Court, or Municipal Court. However, the possibility of appeal to these courts does not exclude the proceeding from being classified as regulatory. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2702 | 01/28/2025 | This bill mandates the termination of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) on Dec. 31, 2025, with related statutory sections repealed on July 1, 2026. The bill states its purpose as ensuring the cooperative exchange of information and analysis among criminal justice and law enforcement entities, as originally intended by the legislature. However, legislative findings cite concerns that the ACJC’s current practices contradict its founding principles, citing lobbying efforts to expand surveillance and data collection on citizens, including concealed weapon permit holders, which law enforcement agencies widely oppose. The bill argues this misuse of taxpayer funds threatens individual privacy rights and freedoms, thus necessitating the ACJC’s termination. The bill specifies retroactively applying its provisions from July 1, 2025. |
| Joseph Chaplik | HB2684 | 01/23/2025 | This bill prohibits pedestrians from congregating or soliciting on painted or raised traffic islands or medians, exit or entrance ramps, roadways of controlled-access highways, or other unsafe locations lacking sidewalks or safe corridors. A first violation results in a warning from a peace officer. A second violation qualifies as a civil traffic violation, while a third or subsequent violation is classified as a class 1 misdemeanor. The bill aims to enhance pedestrian safety by restricting congregating and solicitation in potentially dangerous traffic areas. |
| Joseph Chaplik | HB2683 | 01/23/2025 | This bill requires retail businesses in Arizona with physical locations to accept cash for transactions valued at $100 or less and prohibits charging fees for cash payments. If a business refuses to accept cash or charges a fee for its use, affected customers can seek damages of up to $1,000 per violation, with a total limit of $5,000 per person. Courts must adjust these damage amounts for inflation annually. The bill exempts transactions involving written contracts between parties specifying payment forms and online sales. “Retail business” is defined per Arizona’s tax code classification. The bill mandates compliance upon its effective date. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2673 | 01/30/2025 | The bill aims to strengthen Arizona’s election integrity by introducing several measures related to foreign donations, early voting, and ballot handling. It prohibits the use of resources donated from foreign entities for election administration and mandates annual certifications for vendors to ensure compliance. A private right of action allows qualified electors to enforce these provisions, including injunctive relief and damages. It modifies early voting procedures by introducing an active early voting list, requiring voter identity verification through a unique early voter ID, and detailing stringent signature verification processes. Additionally, it bans foreign contributions to influence ballot measure outcomes and requires entities to certify compliance in campaign finance reports. The bill also introduces specific deadlines and procedures for returning and verifying early ballots, aiming to ensure timely and accurate election results. Effective changes begin in 2025, with ballot handling deadlines further refined for 2027. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2669 | 01/21/2025 | The bill amends section 13-202 of the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning the construction of statutes regarding criminal liability. It stipulates that if a statute defining an offense prescribes a culpable mental state sufficient for the offense, this mental state should apply to all elements unless otherwise indicated by legislative intent. If no mental state is specified, a knowingly mental state is required. Offenses are considered strict liability only if expressly designated as such in the statute. In the case of strict liability offenses, proving a culpable mental state is sufficient for establishing criminal responsibility. Furthermore, if criminal negligence suffices for an element, more severe mental states like intentional, knowing, or reckless actions will also establish that element. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2637 | 01/16/2025 | This bill repeals Title 32, Chapter 15.1, and Section 41-3030.06 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, effectively dissolving the state board of dispensing opticians. It directs the legislative council staff to prepare proposed legislation to align the Arizona Revised Statutes with the changes introduced by this repeal. The purpose of this bill appears to be to eliminate the regulatory body overseeing dispensing opticians in Arizona, potentially affecting how these professionals are regulated moving forward. Conforming legislation is expected to be reviewed in the fifty-seventh legislature’s second regular session. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2636 | 01/16/2025 | This bill aims to address the prosecution and sentencing of juvenile offenders in Arizona by modifying existing statutes. It allows juveniles aged thirteen and under to seek a judicial finding of infancy, which, if proven by clear and convincing evidence, may excuse them from adult criminal responsibility. The bill also outlines conditions under which juveniles aged fourteen and older, or those labeled chronic felony offenders, can be prosecuted as adults, depending on the offense. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision for special penalty recommendations, allowing a juvenile offender to request a deviation from standard sentencing based on their maturity. These recommendations, while not binding, can guide courts towards imposing a reduced sentence if deemed consistent with justice. The effective date of the changes is not specified in the text. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2634 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes by introducing section 9-500.52, capping municipal civil penalties for parking violations. It prohibits municipalities from setting civil penalties exceeding 400% of the daily maximum parking fee at the location and time the infraction occurred. The bill also mandates reduced penalties for expedited payments: if the fine is paid within seven business days, it cannot exceed 150% of the daily maximum fee; payment within eight to 14 business days is capped at 200% of the daily maximum fee. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2633 | 01/16/2025 | The bill amends Arizona laws to offer protections against legal actions aimed at deterring the lawful exercise of constitutional rights, including free speech, assembly, and religious practice. It allows individuals to file motions to dismiss or for summary judgment in cases where such rights are threatened, placing the burden on the filer to show that the action’s motivation was to suppress these freedoms. Additionally, the bill introduces postconviction relief for defendants convicted in politically motivated prosecutions, allowing for convictions to be set aside and related attorney fees to be awarded. This provision especially applies to public figures, officials, or those involved in protests. The bill mandates that protections be liberally construed to preserve justice and integrity in the legal system and emphasizes preventing government misuse that chills political or religious expression. The law will take effect after its passage, with sections ensuring severability and clarifying that the intent is not a substantive legal change but a procedural safeguard. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2632 | 01/16/2025 | This bill mandates that any proposed rule estimated to increase regulatory costs in Arizona by more than $100,000 within five years must be reviewed by the Office of Economic Opportunity. If the cost exceeds $500,000, legislative ratification is required before the rule can become effective. The office must submit the proposed rule to the Administrative Rules Oversight Committee 30 days before the next regular legislative session, and the legislature must enact ratification legislation. If not ratified during the session, the agency must terminate the rulemaking. Affected parties, including legislators, can request the office to review a rule. The bill also allows the legislature to eliminate any agency rule that costs taxpayers over $1 million per year by concurrent resolution, following an assessment by the Office of Economic Opportunity. Emergency rules and rules by the Corporation Commission are exempt, and provisions are severable if found invalid. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2631 | 01/16/2025 | The bill amends Arizona’s election procedures by requiring that the official rules and instructions manual, which is prepared by the secretary of state and ensures correctness and uniformity in election processes, must receive approval from the governor and chairpersons of the relevant legislative committees before its issuance by Dec. 31 of each odd-numbered year preceding a general election. The manual includes rules for early voting and the handling of ballots for absent uniformed and overseas citizens. It mandates the submission of the manual for approval by Oct. 1 before each general election. Violations of these rules are classified as a class 2 misdemeanor. The secretary of state must also provide personnel proficient in electronic voting systems to assess these systems, ensuring security and recommending legislative and procedural changes as necessary. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2630 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends Arizona’s laws regarding the nomination and appointment of state officers by the governor. It specifies the process for nominations during both regular legislative sessions and periods when the legislature is not in session. The governor is required to nominate individuals who meet legal requirements for office positions subject to senate consent. If the senate does not act on a nomination during the session, the nominee may serve until the next session for confirmation. The bill also mandates that nominees submit fingerprints for criminal background checks and institutes a one-year limit for nominees to serve without senate approval. Additionally, if a nominee for a director position is rejected by the senate, they are disqualified from holding any position within the same agency. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2426 | 01/16/2025 | The bill amends section 9-235 of the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding the process for filling vacancies on city and town councils. It mandates that a council must appoint a replacement for a vacancy within 30 calendar days after receiving notice of the vacancy. If the vacancy occurs more than 30 days before the nomination petition deadline, the appointment lasts until the next regularly scheduled council election; otherwise, it is for the remainder of the unexpired term. The ordinance requires any appointee to meet the qualifications set out in section 9-232. This bill does not apply to charter cities and also references procedures for primary elections where candidates receiving a majority of votes are declared elected, per section 9-821.01, subsection D. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2425 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends the Arizona Revised Statutes related to the qualification and registration of electors by detailing the procedures for the preparation and distribution of precinct registers ahead of primary and general elections. It specifies that county recorders must prepare and distribute electronic or paper precinct lists of qualified electors to political party chairmen, and outlines the data included, such as voting history and early voting details. The bill mandates a uniform format for the submission of voter data to the secretary of state to facilitate statewide database management. It restricts the use of voter registration data for political activities and prohibits its commercial use. Violations regarding the unauthorized use or distribution of precinct lists are acknowledged, and explicit consent is required for public access to certain sensitive voter information. The bill emphasizes security measures for maintaining voter data and assigns fees for access to voter records based on the number of records requested. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2424 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends the Arizona Revised Statutes to introduce a requirement that the county board of supervisors, in collaboration with the county recorder and the county officer in charge of elections, incorporate a ballot printing deadline into their adopted election plan. The amendment mandates the inclusion of this deadline to ensure timely preparation and availability of ballots for elections, aiming to facilitate efficient election administration and enhance electoral processes. The bill’s purpose appears to promote better organization and coordination among county officials in the electoral process. An effective date for this requirement is not specified in the bill text. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2423 | 01/16/2025 | This bill prohibits any county board of supervisors, county recorder, city or town government, or any other official who administers elections in Arizona from requiring election workers, whether permanent or temporary, to sign nondisclosure agreements related to the election process. It also prevents these authorities from requiring election workers to waive their rights to speak or write publicly about events or occurrences in the administration of the election. This measure seeks to ensure transparency by protecting the freedom of speech of election workers regarding their experiences and observations during elections. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2422 | 01/16/2025 | The bill amends Arizona’s tax code to allow taxpayers to deduct from their taxable income the amount paid for tuition to a public, nonprofit, or private college, university, community college, or other postsecondary educational institution, as well as student loan repayments, for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2024. It specifies that taxpayers may choose to claim itemized deductions instead of the standard deduction and outlines conditions for deductions in cases involving medical expenses or charitable contributions. The bill ensures that taxpayers cannot claim both a deduction and a credit for the same charitable contributions and includes provisions for interest expenses related to certain home mortgages. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2421 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends section 43-1111 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to reduce the corporate income tax rate. It specifies a new rate of 2% for taxable years beginning from and after Dec. 31, 2025. This reduction contrasts with the current corporate tax rate of 4.9% on net income, which has been in effect since 2017. The bill aims to lower the tax burden on corporations operating in Arizona, potentially impacting state revenue and business operations. It maintains a minimum tax of $50 on corporate income, with exemptions outlined under sections 43-1126 or 43-1201. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2420 | 01/16/2025 | This bill appropriates $4.2 million from the Arizona state general fund for the fiscal year 2025-26 to the Department of Education, specifically for the college credit by examination incentive program as established in Arizona Revised Statutes section 15-249.06. The measure aims to support students earning college credits through examination programs and expresses the legislature’s intent for the program to be fully funded in the future. The appropriation serves to bolster educational opportunities for students and enhance post-secondary educational attainment through incentivized exam-based credit earning. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2419 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends section 16-411 of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to the conduct of elections. It establishes guidelines for designating election precincts and polling places, including the use of voting centers and emergency voting centers. The board of supervisors is mandated to set precinct boundaries and polling places before elections, with provisions for adjustments due to redistricting. Voting centers must be conveniently located within two and a half miles of voter residences if used exclusively. Schools and state-owned facilities are required to provide space for polling places unless valid reasons are provided. Public records of polling places must be made available, and electioneering is typically allowed outside a 75-foot limit, barring emergencies. The bill also requires strategies to reduce voter wait times, considering past and current voter data. The provisions are effective starting in 2026. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2418 | 01/16/2025 | This bill establishes a new income tax credit for contributions to college savings plans under section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, starting from taxable years after Dec. 31, 2025. The credit is equal to the amount contributed per beneficiary, up to $5,000 annually. From Dec. 31, 2026, this amount will adjust based on changes in the Phoenix consumer price index but cannot decrease from the previous year. Taxpayers can carry forward unused credits for up to five years. Tax credits cannot be claimed if the taxpayer has already claimed a subtraction for the same contribution. The bill aims to support taxpayer savings for higher education expenses. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2417 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends Arizona’s election procedures, including the process for handling early ballots and curing signature discrepancies. Election officers must compare the signature on an early ballot envelope with the voter’s registration record, allowing inconsistencies to be corrected within specified time frames after elections. The bill mandates that election offices operate extended hours for curing signatures in elections involving federal offices. If a voter’s signature is missing, they must be contacted to provide it by 7 p.m. on election day. Elections officials must share lists of voters with signature issues and those using conditional provisional ballots with the political parties. The bill also requires election management systems to post detailed logs and certain voter data after ballot tabulation is complete. Additionally, counties using early ballots must offer an online tracking system, and certain districts are exempt from these regulations. These provisions are effective beginning in 2026. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2416 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes to add section 12-824, granting all citizens the right to challenge any unlawful act by a government official. It establishes standing for individuals to initiate legal action against officials they believe have acted illegally. This provision aims to empower residents of Arizona to hold government officials accountable by allowing them to seek judicial review of actions they perceive as unlawful. There is no specified effective date within the bill. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2415 | 01/17/2025 | This bill proposes amendments to Arizona’s groundwater management code, focusing on the methods for establishing correlative rights in groundwater basins, including alluvial-fill basins and subbasins. The bill allows the director of the Department of Water Resources to establish correlative rights under specified conditions, such as basins eligible for management or those failing to meet a management goal. It mandates proportional calculation of groundwater rights and recharge based on land surface area. Personal groundwater accounts would be created for landowners, enabling groundwater trading and transfers, with restrictions to prevent harm. An election procedure is outlined for adopting these rights, and regular reviews and audits are stipulated to reassess groundwater data every 10 years. An effective date aligns with regulatory implementation, ensuring structured governance of groundwater resources while safeguarding landowners’ rights. An electorate vote is scheduled for 2026 to determine statewide correlative rights establishment. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2414 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends various sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes to establish regulations and incentives for the use of remedial groundwater, specifically targeting substances such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) compounds in excess of EPA levels. It authorizes the director of water resources to approve the withdrawal of up to 65,000 acre-feet of remedial groundwater annually, across all active management areas, consistent with those areas’ management goals. Municipal water providers can apply to have their use of remedial groundwater approved as consistent with management goals, and withdrawals up to 250 acre-feet annually for certain projects may be exempt from groundwater supply account debits. The bill mandates that remedial groundwater withdrawals be separately metered and reported and requires advance notice to the director before withdrawal or use, with specified documentation from environmental authorities. It also requires rule amendments by January 1, 2026, to facilitate these measures. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2413 | 01/16/2025 | This bill mandates that municipal providers in Arizona compensate eligible customers for a proportional share of the market value of effluent produced from wastewater if it is not recharged in the customer’s active management area. Eligible customers are defined as those located in an active management area with groundwater management goals, served by a municipal provider that charges for wastewater services. The bill requires municipal providers to calculate the volume and value of effluent not recharged, and award a corresponding credit on the customer’s bill. It allows customers to challenge determinations in court or via complaints to the director, who can enforce the law. Municipal providers found in violation may be liable for damages, attorney fees, and interest. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2412 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends Arizona’s statutes related to the long-term water augmentation fund, specifically restricting the purchase and transfer of mainstream Colorado River water, except for certain exceptions involving federally recognized Indian tribes and specific water funds. It allows funding for water supply projects that either import water into Arizona or create new water sources within the state, with at least 75% of funds in specific fiscal years reserved for these projects. It prohibits the use of the fund to acquire conservation easements on real property and outlines criteria for evaluating proposed water projects, prioritizing those that benefit Arizona residents, enhance water access, and promote economic growth. The authority is tasked with pursuing repayment for financial assistance and ensuring compliance with applicable environmental requirements. Additionally, the bill designates that 75% of funds remaining upon enactment are directed to benefit the Phoenix, Pinal, or Tucson active management areas. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2411 | 01/16/2025 | This bill authorizes golf courses that are on-sale retailers and at least 1,000 yards in size to allow patrons to bring spirituous liquor purchased off-site onto the course for consumption. The bill amends Section 4-244 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to exempt golf courses from existing restrictions prohibiting customers from bringing their own alcohol onto licensed premises. The stated intent is to alleviate financial burdens for patrons and remove legal barriers for golf courses, thereby ensuring they can offer more affordable experiences without risking their liquor licenses. This act may be cited as the “Inflation Reduction Act of 2025.” |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2410 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to condominiums and planned communities, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of boards of directors. It outlines the duties of board members, including acting in good faith, managing financial assets prudently, and protecting common elements. It introduces stipulations that contracts made prior to unit owner-elected boards can be terminated without penalty and mandates conflict of interest declarations by directors benefiting from board decisions. The bill also details this indemnification for directors, with the presumption of acting within duty unless clear evidence proves otherwise, and specifies conditions under which unit owner meetings can remove directors. Additionally, it brings changes to the procedural processes for budget adoption and board member election. These amendments aim to enhance governance transparency and accountability within associations. This bill takes effect immediately upon passage. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2409 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends sections related to speed restrictions and aggressive driving in the Arizona Revised Statutes. It defines aggressive driving as committing either speeding (under sections 28-701 or 28-701.02) and at least two other specific traffic violations while being a hazard. Conviction results in a class 1 misdemeanor and mandates attendance at traffic survival school; repeat offenders within 24 months face a one-year license suspension. The bill also specifies that excessive speed in school zones and exceeding speed limits by over 20 mph in business, residential, and other areas constitute specific misdemeanors. It highlights conditions for issuing a civil complaint instead. Effective upon passage, it introduces stricter consequences for repetitive traffic offenses. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2408 | 01/16/2025 | This bill authorizes the Arizona Department of Water Resources’ director to initiate legal actions, including a compact call or curtailment measures, to protect and enforce the state’s rights under the Colorado River Compact of 1922. It appropriates $1 million from the state’s long-term water augmentation fund for these purposes in fiscal year 2024-25. The funded appropriation is exempt from lapsing regulations until June 30, 2026, when the section will be repealed. Designated as an emergency measure, the act is effective immediately to safeguard public peace, health, or safety. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2407 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends section 15-323 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to clarify the voting eligibility of governing board members and the provisions for school district purchases from board members. Governing board members are prohibited from voting on matters concerning their own or related individuals’ appointments, employment, or remuneration. Additionally, the bill sets limits on purchases from board members, allowing transactions not exceeding $300 per item and $1,000 annually per member, provided the board has previously authorized such purchases. For districts with fewer than 3,000 students and not in counties with populations of 750,000 or more, purchases from board members are allowed without these specific limits but must be approved by the board and documented in the meeting minutes. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2406 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends property tax exemption statutes in Arizona to expand benefits for specific groups. It fully exempts property owned by combat veterans with a 100% combat-related service-connected disability from taxation. Widows, widowers, individuals with a total and permanent disability, and veterans with service or nonservice-connected disabilities not qualifying for the full exemption may receive partial exemptions based on specific income and property assessment limits. The bill also mandates annual adjustments to exemption amounts and limits, determined by changes in the GDP price deflator. The amendments apply to tax years starting after Dec. 31, 2025. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2188 | 01/14/2025 | This bill prohibits the Arizona National Guard from being called into active duty combat unless the U.S. Congress passes an official declaration of war or takes specific action according to article I, section 8, clause 15 of the U.S. Constitution, which allows the National Guard to execute laws, repel invasions, or suppress insurrections. Alternatively, the Arizona legislature can authorize such action through a concurrent resolution. The governor must ensure compliance with these requirements. The bill defines “active duty combat” as participating in armed conflict, performing hazardous services abroad, or duties through an instrument of war. It cites historical perspectives underscoring Congressional power over military engagements. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2187 | 01/14/2025 | This bill amends the powers and duties of the Arizona board of regents, specifically limiting the annual compensation of university presidents to no more than 20 times the salary of Arizona state legislators as outlined in section 41-1103. Additionally, the bill does not allow any tuition or fee revenue to fund alumni associations. The bill also mandates that universities publicly post employment openings with details, provide reports on graduation and retention rates, and requires a report on the number of in-state and out-of-state students exceeding the undergraduate credit hour threshold. Existing university president employment contracts must comply with these changes after the bill’s effective date. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2053 | 01/08/2025 | This bill introduces an income tax credit for Arizona landowners who permit the federal government to use their privately owned land for the construction of an international boundary wall. The credit amount is equivalent to the fair market value of the land used, as determined by a taxpayer-funded appraisal. In business partnerships or corporations, co-owners, including partners and S corporation shareholders, can claim a pro rata share of the credit. For couples filing separately, the credit division is mutually decided but cannot exceed what a sole owner could claim. If the credit surpasses the taxpayer’s income tax liability or if no taxes are owed, the unused credit can be carried forward for up to five consecutive tax years. The bill aims to support private landowners participating in international wall construction by offering this tax relief. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2052 | 01/08/2025 | The bill amends section 32-1421 of the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning exemptions from medical licensing requirements. It outlines several circumstances under which individuals may provide certain medical services without a license, including emergency medical assistance, the sale of health food supplements, religious healing practices, and the healing arts of Indian tribes. Additionally, it specifies actions that do not require physician judgment or are part of normal delegation or military duties. Notably, the bill adds a new provision exempting individuals who provide basic first aid without compensation, defining basic first aid to include tasks like cleaning minor cuts, treating minor burns, and administering nonprescription medications for minor ailments. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2051 | 01/08/2025 | This bill mandates that starting January 4, 2027, the governor of Arizona must appear before the legislature on the third Wednesday of each month during the legislative session to answer questions from legislators. The governor will alternate appearances between the Senate and the House of Representatives, beginning with the Senate in odd-numbered years. The questions will include two from the majority leader, two from the minority leader, and one each from four randomly selected legislators. A follow-up question may be posed to each initial question. If the governor is absent from the state, the lieutenant governor will assume these duties. The legislature believes such exchanges can enhance voter turnout, political knowledge, and public engagement, thus contributing to a more informed electorate. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2050 | 01/08/2025 | This bill amends the procedures for verifying and curing early voting ballots in Arizona. It requires the county recorder or election officer to compare the voter’s signature on the early ballot envelope with the signature on their registration record. If a mismatch or missing signature is identified, efforts must be made to contact the voter for correction by specific deadlines depending on the election type. The bill mandates daily updates of voters needing cures to qualified political parties during the early voting period and after elections. It prohibits the release of complete election results until all precincts have reported or one hour after polls close. Counties using early ballots must offer a tracking system for voters to check the status of their ballots. These amendments do not apply to certain special taxing districts. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2049 | 01/08/2025 | This bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 12-910, concerning the judicial review of administrative decisions, detailing conditions for holding evidentiary hearings and admitting new evidence. It mandates that a court must conduct an evidentiary hearing when requested by a party within 30 days after a notice of appeal is filed. The bill allows the court to consider testimony from witnesses not heard during the administrative process and review exhibits and objections not previously offered unless they were withheld for improper purposes or would cause substantial prejudice. It specifies circumstances under which a trial de novo is required and outlines the scope of judicial review and the role of the court in affirming, reversing, modifying, or vacating agency actions. Additionally, it addresses the right to a trial by jury in specific situations and clarifies exemptions from certain types of agency actions. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2048 | 01/08/2025 | This bill amends section 44-1801 of the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning the sales of securities. It revises definitions within the statutes, clarifying terms like “blind pool offering,” which refers to securities offerings that lack specific operational plans or allocation of proceeds. It also defines “commodity,” excluding numismatic coins valued more than 15% above their metal content, real property, or works of art sold by dealers. Additionally, it outlines definitions for “commodity investment contracts” and “commodity options,” noting their speculative nature, and introduces the term “crowdfunding.” The bill revises the definition of “dealer,” excluding certain buyers and sellers of securities. It further elaborates on terms such as “real property investment contract,” “viatical or life settlement investment contract,” and “virtual coin,” each with specific characteristics and exclusions. These changes aim to update and clarify the regulatory framework for securities transactions in Arizona. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2047 | 01/08/2025 | The bill amends section 10-1331 of the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning the allocation of court costs and attorney fees in appraisal proceedings related to dissenters’ rights. It stipulates that the court shall determine all costs of the proceeding, including reasonable compensation for any court-appointed master, and typically assess these costs against the corporation involved, unless it finds that the dissenters acted arbitrarily or in bad faith, or if the fair value does not significantly exceed the offer. Attorney and expert fees may be assessed against either the corporation or dissenters depending on the court’s findings regarding compliance, fairness, and conduct during negotiations. Additionally, if a dissenter’s attorney provides substantial benefits to other similarly situated dissenters, the court may award reasonable fees from the awarded amount to benefit those dissenters. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2046 | 01/08/2025 | This bill amends Section 16-602 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to establish detailed procedures for hand counts of votes cast on electronic machines or tabulators during elections. It mandates random hand counts for at least two percent of precincts, or two precincts, whichever is greater, selected without computer assistance. The bill outlines eligibility criteria and compensation for individuals conducting hand counts, requires video recordings by party observers, and lists the types of races to be hand-counted. It also specifies steps for expanding hand counts if discrepancies exceed a designated margin, necessitating counts up to the entire jurisdiction for particular races. For early ballots, a manual audit will be conducted on a randomly chosen batch equal to one percent or 5,000 of total early ballots, whichever is less. The bill demands expanding audits to more ballots if discrepancies continue and requires timely completion of hand counts before the election canvass. Furthermore, it provides guidelines for public reporting of results, review of source codes in case of expanded counts, and establishes a verification committee to set review margins. The bill will be effective upon passage. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2045 | 01/08/2025 | This bill amends several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to election conduct, focusing on the arrangement and rotation of candidate names on ballots. It mandates that candidate names be rotated so each candidate’s name appears an equal number of times at different positions on the ballot, aiming for fairness across election precincts, except where voting machines are used. For optical scanning systems, the bill outlines specific print requirements and sample ballot provisions. Additionally, it requires alternative layouts for candidate listings depending on the voting method and election type, ensuring consistency and clarity for voters. From 2027, political parties on ballots will also be alternated to appear equally across top, middle, and bottom positions. The bill includes detailed instructions on ballot layout, emphasizing uniformity and voter accessibility in marking selections. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2044 | 01/08/2025 | The bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes to add section 44-1975, granting individuals the right to a jury trial when they are the subject of a commission securities proceeding. This change ensures that any person involved in such proceedings can opt for their case to be heard by a jury, rather than solely by a commission or judge. The bill’s effective date is not specified within the provided text. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2043 | 01/08/2025 | This bill amends section 13-2921 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifying acts that constitute harassment and their classifications. Harassment includes knowingly and repeatedly performing actions such as unwanted communications, following a person in public despite requests to stop, surveillance, making false reports to agencies, and interfering with utility services, all with intent to harass. Harassment against public officers or employees includes filing nonconsensual liens without proper authorization. Defenses include actions directed at public officials constituting criticism. The bill does not apply to lawful demonstrations or actions by regulated investigators, peace officers, or process servers within their duties. Harassment is classified as a class 1 misdemeanor, while harassment against public officials involving nonconsensual liens is a class 5 felony. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2042 | 01/08/2025 | This bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-1202 to clarify offenses related to threatening or intimidating. It specifies that a person commits such an offense if they intentionally convey a “true threat,” defined as a threat that a reasonable person would interpret as a serious intention to inflict bodily harm or death, and the target believes it to be genuine. Threatening under this criterion is a class 1 misdemeanor, which elevates to a class 6 felony if committed in retaliation for criminal activity reporting or if done by a criminal street gang member. However, threatening to further criminal gang activities or racketeering is a class 3 felony. The amendment aims to ensure the statute aligns with First Amendment rights, as guided by a state Court of Appeals ruling. The effective date is not specified within the document. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2041 | 01/08/2025 | This bill amends section 49-552 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to enhance air quality enforcement on properties managed by various local government entities. It mandates that cities, towns, counties, school districts, and special districts prohibit parking of non-compliant vehicles in employee parking lots within designated areas A or B, as defined in section 49-541. This initiative aims to ensure that vehicles parked on these properties adhere to air quality standards outlined in section 49-542, thereby reinforcing efforts to mitigate air pollution in specific regions. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2040 | 01/08/2025 | This bill amends Arizona’s Section 32-1299.25 related to dentistry, specifically focusing on informed consent for treatments carried out by mobile dental facilities or portable dental units. It mandates that consent, either written or verbally recorded, be obtained from the patient or their guardian before treatment, with the consent documentation becoming part of the patient’s official record as per Section 32-1264. For minors, the consent must inform the guardian that such treatments may impact the minor’s future insurance benefits. Additionally, after each treatment, a comprehensive information sheet must be provided to the patient, detailing contact information, the names of the dental professionals involved, descriptions and costs of treatments, and any necessary referrals. If institutional consent has been given, this information sheet must also be shared with the respective institution. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2039 | 01/08/2025 | This bill amends Section 32-2203 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to require the chairperson of the veterinary board to submit an annual report to the governor by Oct. 1 each year. The report must summarize licenses or certificates that were denied, suspended, or revoked, as well as licensees who were censured and placed on probation, along with a financial statement for the preceding fiscal year. Additionally, any board member is allowed to submit a separate report to the governor by the same deadline, including their comments on the board’s licensing and disciplinary activities for the previous fiscal year. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2038 | 01/08/2025 | This bill amends Section 32-742.01 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, concerning investigations related to certified public accountants. It outlines a process whereby the board, upon its own initiative or following the receipt of a complaint or information, may conduct an initial analysis to determine if there is reasonable cause to believe in a violation of applicable rules or statutes. If such cause is found, the board can open an investigation file and potentially initiate disciplinary proceedings. Initial analysis and any subsequent investigation may involve individuals of suitable expertise assisting the board. The bill provides options for the board, following an investigation, to request further investigation, initiate voluntary interviews, or issue recommendations such as dismissals and consent orders. If no reasonable cause is found, the investigation is closed. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2037 | 01/08/2025 | This bill amends section 32-1634.01 of the Arizona Revised Statutes relating to the licensing of international registered nurses. An applicant who graduated from an international nursing program not licensed in the U.S. and not meeting certain existing requirements must submit a credential evaluation report confirming their program’s equivalency, evidence of English proficiency, a report verifying international license status, pass a specified examination, and provide a felony conviction statement. If these and other chapter requirements are met, the board will issue a license despite the lack of graduation from a board-approved program. The board may mandate retesting if examination security concerns arise. |
| Alexander Kolodin | HB2031 | 01/08/2025 | This bill repeals various sections and chapters of the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding state agencies, boards, and commissions, indicating an aim to streamline or reduce government regulation. It amends remaining sections to reflect these repeals, such as changes to the Arizona Department of Agriculture’s structure and authority, and adjusts statutory references accordingly. The bill revises laws concerning agriculture, education, transportation, health care, telecommunications, and public safety, among others, by removing outdated or redundant provisions and transferring certain responsibilities, such as pest control management, entirely to relevant departments. Additionally, some exemptions from procurement and regulatory requirements are outlined for specific state departments and functions. The effective date of the bill’s provisions is to be determined following its enactment. |
