Katie Hobbs

Governor Hobbs nominated John Conley to lead the Arizona National Guard, and the Arizona Senate confirmed his appointment through a voice vote on Monday. Senator Wendy Rogers objected to the confirmation, citing Conley's lack of combat experience and military background. The Senate proceeded with the confirmation despite Rogers's stated concerns about the nominee's qualifications.

Arizona Attorney General Mayes called on state lawmakers to revise the civil forfeiture law enacted in 2021, which currently requires criminal conviction before asset seizure. Mayes stated that the prior standard, which allowed seizure based on a judge's finding of clear and convincing evidence that property was connected to criminal activity, should be reinstated. She characterized the 2021 revision as a mistake that has curtailed prosecutors' ability to seize assets in cases such as Medicaid fraud.

Governor Hobbs announced that Arizona's Medicaid program, known as AHCCCS, will launch an artificial intelligence system beginning in July to review medical records before processing claims. The AI tool will rank submitted claims based on waste and fraud risk. Hobbs stated the system is designed to detect fraud within the AHCCCS program.

Governor Hobbs signed House Bill 2678, sponsored by Representative Julie Willoughby, which made it illegal to create or possess AI-generated child sex abuse images. The legislation took effect in September 2025. The law was applied in the first case charged by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office involving William Powderly, who was indicted on 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor for allegedly possessing AI-generated child sexual abuse material.

Hobbs participated in negotiations over a proposed agreement that would result in deeper cuts to Arizona's Colorado River water allocation beyond the state's existing reductions. Hobbs characterized Arizona's agricultural, technology, and mining industries as national security priorities dependent on Colorado River water access. The proposal requires federal approval before implementation, with specific details on how the cuts will be distributed across water users to be determined by August 2026.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs visited Yuma during the week of May 7, 2026 to speak about ongoing negotiations among the seven Colorado River Basin states regarding water management and preservation. Hobbs stated that negotiations had been underway for months and warned that without an agreement, Arizona would face substantial water cutbacks. The visit occurred as unusually low water levels in the Colorado River prompted concerns from residents and agricultural communities dependent on the river and its canal systems.

Governor Hobbs vetoed a state budget proposal submitted by Republican lawmakers in May 2026, citing an $800 million difference between the two plans. The Republican budget included tax cuts and reductions to most state agencies except the Department of Public Safety and Department of Child Safety, while Hobbs objected to cuts affecting a children's food program, child services, and state forestry. Lawmakers were required to reach a compromise on the state budget by the end of June 2026.

Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed the Arizona Republican budget plan on Tuesday night due to the exclusion of funding for the SUN Bucks program, which provides meal assistance to low-income children during summer months. Hobbs requested $1.8 million in state funding for the program, warning that without the allocation, hundreds of thousands of children could face food insecurity and Arizona would forfeit $80 million in federal matching funds. The Republican-controlled legislature passed the budget without the SUN Bucks allocation, with lawmakers noting that current funding extends through the end of the fiscal year on July 1.

Hobbs vetoed a Republican budget proposal on May 5, 2026, after the measure passed the Arizona Legislature on party lines without Democratic support. Hobbs characterized the budget as "unbalanced and reckless" in her veto statement. Following the veto, Hobbs indicated a willingness to restart budget negotiations with Republican leadership.

Republican lawmakers in the Arizona House and Senate passed a state budget proposal on party lines in May 2026 that included sweeping tax cuts offset by reductions to various government programs and state agencies. The budget plan did not receive Democratic support in either chamber. Democrats anticipated that Governor Hobbs would veto the measure.

Arizona Republican state leaders sent Gov. Katie Hobbs a budget that included approximately $1.4 billion in income tax cuts over several years while reducing state agency spending by roughly $800 million from the governor's proposal. The budget maintained a tax break for data centers estimated to cost the state $40 million annually, which Hobbs had sought to eliminate. Democratic lawmakers criticized the budget for prioritizing corporate tax benefits over spending on services for working families.

Governor Hobbs characterized the Arizona gubernatorial race as contested over election system integrity, stating that Republican primary candidate Andy Biggs has questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election results. Biggs was accused of participating in efforts to decertify Arizona's 2020 electoral votes, as testified by former House Speaker Rusty Bowers regarding a January 6 phone call in which Biggs allegedly requested Bowers' support for decertification. Hobbs emphasized that Arizona's status as a swing state makes the election system a central issue in the 2026 gubernatorial campaign.

Republican state lawmakers advanced a budget plan that included proposals to impose new requirements on people seeking Medicaid and SNAP benefits through Arizona's Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Governor Hobbs had previously vetoed similar proposals in separate legislative actions. The budget bills advanced by GOP lawmakers included across-the-board cuts to state agencies.

Governor Hobbs stated she would veto every bill sent to her by the Arizona Legislature until Republican lawmakers released their proposed state budget publicly. After GOP legislators published their budget proposal, Hobbs declined to commit to ending her veto moratorium on legislation. The statement represented a shift from her earlier position that tied the lifting of vetoes to the budget's public release.

Arizona Republicans delivered a state budget proposal to Governor Hobbs after weeks of legislative gridlock, following the governor's threat to veto GOP-backed bills until a budget plan was presented. The Republican proposal allocates approximately $800 million less in spending than the governor's budget and includes a full $1.4 billion income tax cut over four years, compared to the governor's proposed half-measure, while both sides agree on eliminating taxes on tips and overtime. The Republican plan excludes two provisions sought by Hobbs, including a tax on short-term rentals and an income cap for school voucher eligibility, and proposes five percent cuts to state agencies to offset roughly $300 million in lost education funding.

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne urged Governor Katie Hobbs and state lawmakers to approve an additional $40 million in school safety funding, bringing the state's total school safety budget from $80 million to $120 million. Horne stated the funds would support the hiring of more than 200 school resource officers across Arizona public schools and expand behavioral health staffing including counselors and social workers, positions some districts had eliminated due to budget constraints. Horne cited examples including a recent school security incident in Oklahoma and noted that some districts had requested campus police officers but lacked the financial resources to employ them without state assistance.

Governor Hobbs announced a $3 million grant program administered through the Department of Economic Security in partnership with the Bright Futures Arizona initiative to provide child care relief to Arizona families. The funding is designated to reduce child care costs for families during the summer school break by distributing money directly to child care providers across the state. According to state data, Arizona parents pay an average of $1,116 monthly for toddler care and $1,330 for infant care, with approximately 11,000 Arizonans currently on waiting lists for child care assistance.

Hobbs instituted a bill signing moratorium beginning April 13, 2026, during budget negotiations with Republican lawmakers in the Arizona legislature. The moratorium halted her signing of legislation until the Republican-controlled legislature submitted a budget proposal for her consideration. Hobbs had employed the same tactic in the previous year when budget negotiations with GOP lawmakers reached an impasse.

In May 2025, Hobbs directed the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health to establish a Workplace Heat Safety Task Force comprising medical experts and workers' rights advocates to address heat-related workplace hazards. The task force submitted final recommendations on December 31, 2025, which were approved and adopted by the Industrial Commission of Arizona on April 9, 2026, establishing guidelines that require employers to develop heat illness prevention plans including access to water, shade, rest periods, training, and gradual heat exposure. The guidelines build on Arizona's existing 2023 State Emphasis Program and provide detailed recommendations for industries including construction, agriculture, and hospitality, though they operate as advisory guidance rather than enforceable standards.

Hobbs vetoed a bill that would have opted Arizona into a federal tax credit program established under H.R.1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which was passed by federal lawmakers the previous year. The program would have allowed individuals in participating states to receive $1,700 in tax credits for donations funding private school scholarships. The veto prevented Arizona's participation in the federal tax credit initiative.

Hobbs signed SB 1503 on April 15, 2026, which expands the definition of "first responder" to include state correctional officers, Arizona National Guard members on state active duty, and law enforcement pilots. The legislation also clarifies that "killed in the line of duty" encompasses deaths resulting from a criminal's actions while a first responder performs official duties. The law applies retroactively to December 31, 2025, making families of these workers eligible for state death benefits.

Governor Hobbs signed House Bill 2323 in April 2026, legislation sponsored by Representative Pamela Carter that expands Arizona's lemon law to protect car lessees alongside car purchasers. The bill closed a loophole that previously left lessees without recourse when vehicles had persistent mechanical problems, while purchasers could receive compensation or refunds. HB 2323 accomplished this by expanding the legal definition of "consumer" to include car lessees under Arizona's existing lemon law protections.

Hobbs signed "Cade's Law: If you See Something, Say Something," legislation that establishes criminal liability for adults who use social media or text messages to encourage minors to commit suicide. The law grants prosecutors explicit authority to charge adults who engage in such targeted online communications directed at children. Republican Representative Pamela Carter sponsored the legislation.

On March 18, Governor Hobbs requested that the Environmental Protection Agency delay its mandatory transition to summer fuel blends in Arizona, citing rising fuel prices resulting from the war with Iran. Following Hobbs's request, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin issued an emergency waiver on March 25 allowing the sale of E15 gasoline, which contains 15% ethanol, in Arizona through May 20, a period when such fuel is typically prohibited due to air quality concerns. Health experts including the American Lung Association have expressed concern that E15 sales increase ground-level ozone formation in higher summer temperatures, with the Phoenix metro area already ranking fourth nationally for ozone pollution.

Hobbs signed House Bill 2665, known as Cade's Law, into law in April 2026. The legislation grants prosecutors authority to charge adults who use targeted online messages to encourage minors to die by suicide, extending existing accountability measures that previously covered providing physical means for suicide. The law is named after 16-year-old Cade Keller, who died by suicide in March 2022 after posting about his plans on Instagram.

Hobbs announced she would veto bills sent to her by the Arizona Legislature until Republican lawmakers made their proposed state budget available to the public. On Monday, Hobbs signed 32 bills and vetoed 19 remaining bills on her desk. The governor's action was taken in response to the legislature's budget proposal not being publicly disclosed.

Hobbs vetoed a Republican-sponsored bill that would have restricted the authority of Attorney General Kris Mayes in pursuing nuisance law cases against companies. The bill was introduced by Republican legislators who objected to Mayes' legal actions targeting companies engaged in groundwater pumping. Hobbs announced the veto in April 2026.

Governor Hobbs issued an executive order in November that directed Arizona tax forms to list deductions for tips, overtime wages, auto loans, and benefits for older residents, mirroring federal tax changes enacted under President Trump's tax law. Hobbs vetoed two state bills that would have codified these deductions into law because they also included provisions adopting Trump's corporate tax breaks. As a result, Arizona taxpayers are instructed by state tax forms to claim deductions that do not currently exist under state law, creating legal uncertainty about their validity.

Republican lawmakers in the Arizona House and Senate approved legislation that would allow individuals and businesses to sue Attorney General Kris Mayes for damages if they claim to have been harmed by improper nuisance or consumer fraud lawsuits, provided the attorney general's action was dismissed or found to have no merit and the attorney general knew the action lacked merit or publicized the case. House Bill 2167, one of three measures filed by Representative Lupe Diaz, was designed to address what supporters characterized as overreach in the attorney general's use of public nuisance laws to pursue companies regarding groundwater pumping practices. Mayes stated that her actions were intended to protect state residents from corporations taking advantage of the absence of state regulation on groundwater pumping in rural areas.

Governor Hobbs signed legislation that approved a proposed $1.3 billion Axon headquarters development in Scottsdale, which eliminated a planned ballot measure that would have allowed voters to decide on the project. The citizen group Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the bill, arguing that it was designed to benefit a single company rather than serving the general public as required by Arizona's constitution. A judge was scheduled to hear oral arguments on the matter to determine whether the legislation violated constitutional provisions requiring laws to benefit the general population.

Hobbs vetoed HB 2040, legislation that would have required schools and colleges discussing contraception and sexually transmitted infections to also provide mandatory information about adoption. The bill would have applied to educational settings offering contraceptive information, STI testing, and related services. Hobbs's veto prevented the adoption education requirement from becoming law.

Hobbs signed legislation to create a special Arizona Space Commission license plate, with a portion of proceeds directed to the commission's aerospace fund. The Arizona Space Commission was relaunched by the governor and Legislature after being dissolved in 2014, and now operates with 13 members focused on expanding Arizona's role in the space industry. Revenue from the license plate sales supports scholarships, grants, and STEM funding administered through the aerospace fund.

Hobbs signed legislation mandating that the Arizona Department of Child Safety attempt to enter cooperative agreements with each of Arizona's 22 federally recognized tribes. The bill was sponsored by Republican state Senator Cari and characterized as bipartisan. The statute establishes a requirement for DCS to pursue tribal cooperative agreements as part of the state's child welfare framework.

Hobbs issued an executive order establishing the Arizona Energy Promise Task Force to evaluate energy resources for the state. The task force completed a report examining geothermal energy as a potential resource for Arizona utilities facing increased power demand from data centers and population growth. The report, released by the Arizona Governor's Office of Resiliency, identified geothermal energy as a promising option for meeting the state's energy needs.

Governor Hobbs signed HB 2072 on Wednesday, legislation that repeals the observance of César Chávez Day in Arizona. The bill passed the Arizona House with a 48-8 vote and was introduced by Representative Lisa Fink and sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick. Hobbs stated that she signed the legislation following news reports detailing allegations of sexual misconduct involving Chávez and indicated her intention to work with community leaders on alternative ways to honor the farmworker community.

Governor Hobbs signed Preston's Law, legislation that establishes harsher penalties for people convicted of group-style beatdowns known as "swarming." The law was enacted in response to the death of Preston Lord, a teenager who was beaten by multiple assailants outside a Halloween party in Queen Creek in October 2023. The policy change was among several measures implemented by East Valley cities and the Arizona state capitol following Lord's death.

Governor Hobbs stated disapproval of President Trump's executive order to create a nationwide list of verified eligible voters and restrict mail-in ballot distribution through the U.S. Postal Service. Hobbs said that Washington politicians should not direct how Arizona conducts its elections. The order directed the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration to compile eligible voter lists in each state and required the Postal Service to send absentee ballots only to those on state-approved lists using secure, trackable envelopes with barcodes.

Governor Hobbs signed legislation repealing Arizona's Cesar Chavez holiday in April 2026. The bill was introduced following allegations of sexual abuse against the late labor rights leader and passed the state Legislature with bipartisan support. Multiple cities and states simultaneously removed Chavez's name from holidays, buildings, schools, and other public honors.

The Arizona Legislature passed legislation to repeal Cesar Chavez Day and sent the bill to Governor Hobbs for consideration. Hobbs announced her intention to sign the repeal bill. The measure was supported by a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the state Legislature.

Governor Katie Hobbs planned to sign a bill repealing the statewide recognition of Cesar Chavez Day after sexual misconduct allegations against Chavez surfaced in March 2026. The bill was sent to the governor's office by a group of lawmakers seeking to end the official holiday. Hobbs's office indicated the state would pursue alternative ways to recognize farmworkers following the repeal.

Hobbs vetoed legislation that would have renamed the entire Loop 202 freeway after Charlie Kirk. In her veto letter, Hobbs stated that the measure would insert politics into a governmental function that should remain nonpartisan. Hobbs indicated that the process of renaming highways should proceed through the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic Names rather than through legislative action.

Governor Hobbs stated she was open to suspending Arizona's state gas tax in response to rising fuel prices that reached $5 a gallon at many stations in March 2026, following escalation of conflict in Iran. The state gas tax suspension, which would save drivers 19 cents per gallon, was presented as one option under consideration during budget negotiations with Republican lawmakers. Hobbs indicated that all options remained on the table as the state addressed the fuel price crisis.

Hobbs proposed a state budget in January 2026 that included middle-class tax cuts and specified funding mechanisms, while Republican lawmakers advocated for larger tax deductions matching federal tax breaks without consensus on funding. The stalled budget created uncertainty for Arizona taxpayers regarding which state tax deductions would be allowable, with tax preparers reporting hundreds of clients delaying filings ahead of the April 15 deadline. The Arizona Department of Revenue announced that affected taxpayers could amend returns by October 15, 2027, without penalties or interest, depending on the eventual legislative resolution.

Hobbs launched the Power AZ utility assistance program on Tuesday, a $15 million initiative designed to help Arizonans manage energy costs. The program expands eligibility for utility assistance beyond traditional income limits to serve a broader population of state residents. Families can apply for the utility assistance program through the state's online portal.

Hobbs launched an initiative aimed at identifying and eliminating $100 million in government spending over three years through the use of technology and artificial intelligence. The initiative was announced during her State of the State address in January 2026. The effort seeks to reduce waste in state government operations.

Hobbs traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for trade with Mexico and Canada in advance of the summer review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The governor's visit occurred as Mexican and U.S. trade delegations began discussions preceding the treaty review. Hobbs was accompanied by Arizona business leaders during the advocacy effort.

Hobbs halted budget negotiations with Republican lawmakers on Friday over disagreements regarding public school funding levels. In a statement, Hobbs indicated she would not resume negotiations until GOP lawmakers released their own budget proposal. Hobbs also accused Republican lawmakers of failing to adequately address education funding in their budget discussions.

Hobbs traveled to Washington, D.C. to appeal to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and national business leaders to support Arizona's position in negotiations over Colorado River water allocation as federal officials considered implementing cuts to water supplies. Hobbs stated that Arizona faces disproportionate burden under the proposed federal plans because the state holds the lowest priority ranking among the seven Colorado River basin states under existing water rights agreements. Hobbs emphasized Arizona's strategic importance to national defense, semiconductor manufacturing, and agricultural production, while noting the state has maintained relatively flat water consumption despite adding over 6 million residents since the 1950s.

Following allegations of sexual abuse against the late labor leader Cesar Chavez detailed in a New York Times report, a spokesperson for Governor Hobbs announced that Arizona will not recognize March 31 as Cesar Chavez Day. The decision came after multiple women, including civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, publicly disclosed accounts of inappropriate sexual behavior and assault by Chavez during his tenure as President of the United Farm Workers of America. Hobbs did not provide additional public comment beyond the announcement that the state holiday would not be observed.

Hobbs delivered a keynote address at the Keep America Moving event in Washington, D.C., on March 17, 2026, to advocate for Arizona's infrastructure priorities ahead of federal reauthorization of surface transportation funding. During her three-day visit, Hobbs emphasized the state's need for Colorado River water allocations, federal investment in infrastructure, and preservation of favorable terms in the 2026 joint review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Hobbs met with the Office of the United States Trade Representative, congressional staff from the House Ways and Means Committee, Mexico's ambassador to the U.S., and senior Canadian Embassy officials to represent Arizona's economic interests in federal policy decisions.

Governor Hobbs appealed FEMA's December denial of a major disaster declaration for Pinal County following September 2025 flooding on January 16, 2026. The appeal remains under review more than two months later as the city of Globe proceeds with a $25 million Pinal Creek flood mitigation project under a 220-day deadline. Without FEMA approval, the city's cost share for the project would increase from $2.1 million to $5.5 million.

Hobbs signed House Bill 2938 on March 13, 2026, which mandates that businesses round cash transactions to the nearest 5 cents when pennies are unavailable to complete a purchase. Under the law, amounts ending in 1, 2, 6, or 7 cents round down to the nearest 5 cents, while amounts ending in 3, 4, 8, or 9 cents round up, with totals ending in 0 or 5 cents remaining unchanged. The legislation was enacted in response to reduced penny production and the resulting shortage of pennies in circulation.

Hobbs launched the Arizona Capacity and Efficiency Initiative, or ACE, in March 2026 to identify approximately $100 million in wasteful state spending over three years. The initiative employs artificial intelligence to streamline government operations through three main priorities: consolidating state purchasing to reduce costs, standardizing administrative services and technology to eliminate redundancy, and adopting emerging technologies to optimize services and workforce productivity. Hobbs stated the effort was designed to free resources for schools, roads, and public safety without workforce reductions.

Gov. Hobbs announced the allocation of $1 million in overtime funding for the Arizona Department of Public Safety to provide up to 14,000 additional hours for state troopers on highway patrols. The funding was identified through budget savings within the current fiscal year without requiring additional legislative appropriations. The overtime expansion was intended to support increased patrols on Arizona's state highways and the Arrive Alive Arizona highway safety program.

Hobbs directed the Department of Public Safety to allocate $1 million in funding to cover Arizona state trooper overtime payments resulting from staffing shortages. This action addressed overtime costs through agency operational savings rather than through legislation that would have redirected funds from a consumer fraud protection account. The decision represented an alternative to a Republican-sponsored bill that proposed using the consumer fraud protection fund for the same purpose.

Hobbs requested ongoing state funding for energy assistance programs to supplement the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which assists households with utility bills. Arizona maintained a significant backlog of assistance requests at the time of her request. Hobbs proposed adding a $3.50 fee on short-term rentals as a funding mechanism for the initiative.

Hobbs released the Arizona Capacity and Efficiency Initiative, a government efficiency plan designed to reduce state spending through the incorporation of artificial intelligence and related technological measures. The initiative was first announced during Hobbs' state of the state address in January and detailed in her proposed state budget. Hobbs stated the ACE program would save the state between $40 million and $100 million.

Governor Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1439 on March 6, 2026, which would have created a specialty license plate honoring Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was assassinated in 2025. The bill, sponsored by Senator Jake Hoffman, proposed a "conservative grassroots network" plate priced at $25, with $17 directed to a nonprofit organization. In her veto letter, Hobbs stated that the measure inserted politics into a government function that should remain nonpartisan.

Governor Hobbs vetoed legislation in March 2026 that would have authorized the Arizona Department of Transportation to create a special license plate memorializing Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist assassinated in 2025, with proceeds benefiting his organization Turning Point USA. The bill, sponsored by Queen Creek Republican Senator Jake Hoffman, would have allowed Arizonans to purchase the plate for an additional $25 annually. Hobbs stated in her veto message that the measure represented "inserting politics into a function of government that should remain nonpartisan."

The Arizona Senate approved legislation on March 3, 2026, sponsored by Sen. Wendy Rogers that would require every county sheriff to enter 287(g) cooperation agreements with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement by January 1, 2027. The bill also mandates immigration training for at least 10 percent of officers and prohibits local policies that restrict cooperation with ICE. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has not indicated her position on the measure, though observers noted the bill's prospects would likely be dim if it reaches her desk.

The Arizona Senate passed Senate Bill 1186, a measure requiring increased public disclosure of state contractors who also make political campaign donations. Hobbs had proposed an alternative reform plan addressing procurement and campaign finance reporting laws. The bill passed with Republican support only, despite bipartisan calls for reform of the state's procurement and campaign finance reporting systems.

The Arizona House passed House Concurrent Resolution 2056, a measure that would amend the Arizona Constitution to prohibit government entities and schools from imposing vaccine mandates as a condition of employment or access to services. The resolution, authored by state Rep. Nick Kupper, requires approval from the state Senate before proceeding to the November ballot, where voters would decide its adoption. Hobbs retains no veto authority over legislative referrals to voters.

Democratic Governor Hobbs proposed requiring data centers to pay a surcharge of approximately one cent per gallon of water as part of ongoing debate at the Arizona State Capitol regarding data center water consumption. The proposal came amid discussions about water use in Arizona, a drought-prone state experiencing rapid data center expansion. Republican lawmakers expressed concern that such policies could discourage investment in data centers within the state.

Hobbs released reform plans addressing "pay to play" practices in government contracts. Senator T.J. Shope had proposed a competing plan for the same issue. Hobbs's staff compiled a list documenting that Shope received more than $4,900 in meals and entertainment from lobbyists in the previous year.

Governor Hobbs declined to intervene in a planned state land sale in the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson that would enable the Copper World mining project to use approximately 160 acres for tailings disposal, according to a statement from her press secretary in February 2026. Hobbs rejected a request signed by 15 Pima County elected officials, including Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and all six City Council members, to halt the sale. The governor's office stated that the State Land Department is constitutionally obligated to generate revenue from state lands for public schools and universities, and that proceeding with the sale would allow the developer to preserve an alternative parcel near the Corona de Tucson development.

Hobbs vetoed nine bills on February 21, 2026, including legislation that would have required hospitals accepting Medicaid funds to ask patients about their immigration status. The governor stated that the bill was based on incorrect assumptions about eligibility for Arizona's Medicaid program and noted that federal law already requires hospitals to provide stabilizing care regardless of immigration status. The vetoes brought her total rejected bills for the legislative session to eleven against three signed.

Hobbs vetoed a package of bills on Friday that would have added eligibility requirements to benefit programs including SNAP and Medicaid. The veto occurred in response to federal budget legislation passed the previous year that created new requirements for states and imposed potential penalties for not reducing error rates in the SNAP program, with Arizona facing approximately $139 million in lost federal funding if compliance measures were not met. The vetoed bills represented one legislative approach to addressing the federal mandate regarding SNAP program administration.

U.S. District Court Judge Roslyn Silver issued an 83-page order on February 19, 2026, removing control of Arizona's prison health care system from the Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry and placing it under court administration. Silver's decision followed 14 years of litigation documenting inadequate physical and mental health care across 10 prison complexes, multiple failed compliance agreements, injunctions, and multi-million-dollar fines. The judge determined that continued reliance on the existing approach would constitute judicial indulgence of unconstitutional conduct and that extraordinary intervention was necessary to address preventable deaths and suffering in the state's prisons.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced indictments against three suspects on February 19, 2026, for crimes against law enforcement committed on the same evening. The charges included 21 counts of aggravated assault against Darrelle Bell for allegedly shooting a Department of Public Safety trooper during a SWAT operation, two counts of aggravated assault against Valarie Marie Corona for pointing a gun at Phoenix police during a search warrant service, and charges against Gabriel Leon for firing at Chandler police during a traffic stop. Mitchell stated that her office had not yet decided whether to charge a Phoenix police officer involved in an officer-involved shooting that resulted in a death.

Hobbs released a proposal to reform Arizona's campaign finance and procurement laws in response to allegations regarding her administration. The proposal included a ban on lobbyists providing meals and entertainment to state officials and lawmakers. The reforms addressed campaign finance regulations, procurement practices, and lobbying conduct.

Hobbs joined California Governor Gavin Newsom and Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo in releasing a joint statement on February 14, 2026, indicating that western states would miss the federal deadline to reach an agreement on Colorado River water sharing and conservation. The three Lower Basin governors stated that all seven basin states must participate in conservation efforts and that they had offered significant flexibility, with Arizona committing to a 27% cut in its allocation. Hobbs indicated that negotiations would continue beyond the missed deadline despite the impasse that had characterized discussions leading up to the February 14 deadline.

In February 2026, the Arizona House and Senate approved a tax cut package that mirrored federal tax legislation and matched tax forms already printed by the Arizona Department of Revenue under Hobbs's direction. Hobbs announced she would veto the legislation, stating that Republican lawmakers were "holding middle class tax cuts hostage to deliver tax breaks to special interests and billionaires." The governor's stated position was that lawmakers should approve only the tax cuts she supports while deferring Republican demands to future consideration.

Republicans in the Arizona House and Senate approved a tax cut package on Wednesday that mirrors federal tax cuts enacted the previous year and aligns with tax forms already printed by the Arizona Department of Revenue. Governor Hobbs announced she would veto the legislation. The tax forms were printed at the direction of Hobbs based on existing tax law while the legislative action was underway.

Governor Hobbs stated that Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts program has created a deficit in the state budget, with enrollment expanding to over 100,000 students at an annual cost of approximately $1 billion since the program's establishment under her predecessor. Education advocates launched a ballot initiative campaign to modify the ESA program by implementing fraud investigation requirements, mandating basic safety standards for participating private schools, and establishing an income eligibility cap of $150,000 annually for participating families. The campaign requires approximately 250,000 voter signatures within five months to place the measure on the fall ballot.

Hobbs signed HB 2022 into law on February 6, 2026, which changes the date of Arizona's 2026 primary election and permanently relocates Arizona primaries from the first Tuesday in August to the second-to-last Tuesday in July. The bill provides election officials additional time to conduct election preparations and ensures military and overseas voters receive ballots in time to participate in the primary. The legislation applies to the 2026 election cycle and requires all qualified voters registered at least 29 days before the election to be eligible to cast primary ballots in Maricopa County.

Arizona's Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed House Resolution 2004 on February 5, 2026, censuring state Attorney General Mayes over her public remarks regarding "stand your ground" laws and their application to law enforcement shootings. The measure, which passed along a party-line vote, condemned Mayes' statements made during a radio interview where she discussed hypothetical scenarios involving use of lethal force against armed individuals, including masked federal officers. The censure called on Mayes to retract her statements, issue a corrective statement about state law, publicly support law enforcement, and resign, though censure carries no criminal penalties or removal authority.

The Arizona Senate passed Senate Bill 1425, which permanently moves the state's primary election from August 4 to July 21, and sent the measure to Governor Hobbs for consideration. The bill aims to ensure that overseas military personnel have sufficient time to receive and return ballots in compliance with federal requirements that ballots be mailed at least 45 days before a federal election. The legislation also includes provisions regarding political party observers at voting sites and technical updates to election timelines across the state.

Governor Hobbs proposed a $3.50-per-night tax on short-term rental stays as part of her budget proposal to the Arizona Legislature. Competing bills moving through the Legislature would allow smaller towns to cap permits, restrict zoning, ban short-term rentals in guest houses, shift tax collection responsibilities to hosts, and reclassify some properties as commercial enterprises. The proposals represent the most aggressive regulatory effort in recent years to reshape the short-term rental industry across Arizona.

Gov. Hobbs expressed optimism regarding ongoing Colorado River water negotiations following a meeting with governors from other Western states initiated by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, though she stated she did not expect a deal to be reached by the February 14 deadline. Arizona has offered to accept a 27 percent reduction in its Colorado River water allocation but Hobbs indicated the state would not commit to additional cuts without corresponding sacrifices from upper basin states including Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Hobbs stated that while she preferred not to pursue litigation, she would consider that option if necessary to protect Arizona's Colorado River water users.

Governor Hobbs appointed Virginia Rountree as Director of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) in late September 2025 to lead the state's Medicaid program. Rountree announced her resignation in February 2026, citing personal health concerns, after serving less than six months in the position. Her final day as director was scheduled for February 13, 2026.

Hobbs traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with governors from six neighboring states and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum regarding negotiations over Colorado River water allocation among the seven basin states, with a February 14 deadline for reaching a new agreement. During the meeting, Hobbs stated that Upper Basin governors expressed willingness to convert water conservation programs into firm commitments and emphasized Arizona's need to protect its water supply, which provides approximately 36 percent of the state's water. Hobbs indicated Arizona would continue participating in discussions contingent on all states acknowledging shared responsibility for the river's protection and called for reaching an agreement that would protect Arizona's agricultural, residential, and business interests.

Hobbs traveled to Washington, D.C. on January 30, 2026, to meet with leaders of the six other Western states that depend on Colorado River water supplies in order to address negotiations regarding water allocation rights. The meeting convened to resolve a stalemate over the distribution of the river's diminishing water supply. No agreement was reached during the discussions.

Hobbs attended a meeting with governors of six other Western states at the Department of the Interior on January 30, 2026, to negotiate a new Colorado River water-sharing agreement. The meeting concluded without a final deal, though Hobbs stated that Upper Basin governors demonstrated willingness to convert water conservation programs into firm commitments. The seven states face a February 14 federal deadline to reach consensus before the Department of the Interior imposes a settlement.

Governor Hobbs traveled to Washington, D.C. on Friday to meet with neighboring governors regarding the division of Colorado River water among seven states. The meeting occurred as negotiations continued toward a February 14 deadline to reach agreement on how to allocate the river's diminishing water supply, with the current agreement set to expire in 2026. If the states do not reach an accord by the deadline, federal intervention in water policy allocation was possible, with a comprehensive plan required by October.

Gov. Hobbs characterized Attorney General Mayes' comments regarding ICE operations and Arizona's "Stand Your Ground" laws as "inappropriate" and stated that elected officials have a responsibility to reduce inflammatory rhetoric that could escalate to violence. Mayes had previously stated that Arizona's gun culture combined with heated rhetoric surrounding federal ICE raids could produce dangerous outcomes, particularly if federal agents attempted to enter homes. Hobbs' statement positioned her separately from other Democratic officials who had defended Mayes by contending her remarks had been misrepresented.

Governor Hobbs traveled to Washington to meet with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and other governors regarding Colorado River water allocation negotiations among the seven basin states. The meetings occurred after the states failed to meet a November deadline for reaching a new agreement on water distribution and as the federal government set a February 14 deadline for the states to reach a deal on operating Lakes Mead and Powell. Hobbs stated that Arizona had already accepted significant cuts to its Colorado River supply while Upper Basin states had not taken comparable reductions.

Governor Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1543 into law in April, legislation that allowed Axon to proceed with a rezoning proposal for a 70-acre campus in Scottsdale without voter approval. The bill had been requested for veto by Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky, who stated it would negatively impact communities in the state. A citizens group called Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions subsequently filed legal challenges to both the legislation and a memorandum of understanding between Axon and Scottsdale that resulted from the law's passage.

Governor Hobbs released a statement with video on X calling for accountability following a fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man by federal agents conducting an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. Hobbs stated that there must be a full investigation and accountability for what she described as another killing by federal agents in Minnesota. She concluded that the violence must be brought to an end.

Governor Hobbs advocated for renewing Proposition 123, the 2016 voter-approved measure that funds K-12 public education through state land trust allocations, which expired in 2025 and caused districts to lose approximately $300 million. Hobbs's position included support for expanding Proposition 123 to cover both teacher compensation and school facility improvements, distinguishing her approach from Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne's focus on directing funds specifically to teacher raises. The legislature remained deadlocked on how to structure and implement the renewal after years of disagreement between lawmakers on funding mechanisms and spending priorities.

Hobbs vetoed six bills introduced by the Republican-led Arizona Legislature during the 2023 legislative session that were aimed at restricting transgender rights for youths and limiting drag performances. The vetoes occurred amid a broader national legislative effort, with state legislatures nationwide having introduced hundreds of bills attacking LGBTQ rights since 2020, according to the ACLU. The Tucson Pride Festival, held in September 2023, took place against this backdrop of legislative activity and renewed focus on protecting LGBTQ community rights.

Hobbs proposed a one-time allocation of $20 million to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management in her 2027 budget to address fire suppression costs. The funding would support retardant drops and fuel-reduction projects including prescribed burns as Arizona experiences longer and more intense fire seasons. The budget proposal requires legislative approval before implementation.

Hobbs included a budget proposal requesting tens of millions of dollars to support Arizona's foster children and assist those transitioning out of the foster care system. The request was made in response to a 2018 federal law that reduced state funding for group home placements and encouraged states to pursue family-like care settings. Hobbs's proposal addressed funding needs created by the shift in federal foster care policy and Arizona's efforts to implement alternative care arrangements.

Governor Hobbs included an additional $128 million in her proposed budget for the Division of Developmental Disabilities, the state Medicaid program serving Arizonans with developmental disabilities. The funding request was made in response to projections that the program would exhaust its existing resources without supplemental appropriations. This allocation followed budget constraints on the same program during the previous fiscal year.

Hobbs vetoed a budget bill passed by the Republican-controlled state Legislature on January 16, 2026, that included tax cuts mirroring federal changes from President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill." Hobbs simultaneously introduced her own tax cut package that included increasing standard deductions, adding deductions for seniors, tipped income, overtime income, and car loan interest on American-made vehicles. The Republican bill included larger tax cuts for retirees, a larger child tax credit, and approximately $150 million in business tax cuts for 2026.

Hobbs vetoed a tax plan proposed by GOP lawmakers that would have aligned Arizona's tax code with the federal tax code. The veto contradicted statements made by the state revenue department regarding tax conformity guidance. Hobbs rejected the GOP proposal while advancing an alternative tax plan of her own.

Republican lawmakers in the Arizona House of Representatives passed a $440 million tax cut package in January 2026 and sent it to Governor Hobbs for consideration. The package included reductions in income taxes on tips and overtime, increases to standard deductions, and changes to business deductions for equipment costs, aligning with federal tax changes from the previous year's congressional legislation. Hobbs had submitted an alternative $250 million tax plan that did not include the business tax cuts contained in the Republican proposal, creating a disagreement between the two branches on tax policy direction.

Arizona Republicans passed legislation to conform the state's tax code with recent federal tax cuts on Thursday. Governor Hobbs indicated she would veto the legislation. The proposal would reduce state income tax revenues by hundreds of millions of dollars, with Democrats and Republicans at the Capitol advancing competing plans to address the federal tax changes.

In her 2026 State of the State address, Hobbs called on lawmakers to reform Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts voucher program to free up state funds for other education priorities. This marked the fourth consecutive year that Hobbs and Republican lawmakers disagreed regarding potential modifications to the billion-dollar school voucher initiative. The specific reforms Hobbs sought were intended to redirect resources toward increased public education funding.

Republican lawmakers in the Arizona Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee advanced a $440 million tax cut plan on January 14, 2026, despite objections from Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, who called the proposal "reckless" and instead advocated for a more limited $250 million tax reduction plan. Hobbs stated that Republicans must demonstrate how the state would pay for the tax cuts without reducing vital services to constituents. The parallel committee votes proceeded along party lines, with Democrats questioning the timing of tax cuts before the state had determined its operating budget for the next fiscal year.

Governor Hobbs proposed a nightly fee of $3.50 on Arizona short-term rentals during her State of the State address, with revenue designated for a utility assistance program for families. The proposal emerged as the Arizona League of Cities and Towns introduced separate legislation to restore municipal authority over short-term rental regulation, reversing restrictions implemented a decade earlier. Industry representatives and advocacy groups provided differing assessments of the fee's impact on property managers, hosts, and travelers.

During her 2026 State of the State address, Gov. Hobbs called for the state to renew Proposition 123 and increase funding for public education, stating the measure could add approximately $300 million to K-12 school funding. Hobbs's announcement came as multiple school districts across Arizona, including Kyrene Unified School District in the East Valley, announced campus closures due to resource constraints. According to enrollment data from the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute, Arizona public school district enrollment declined 8 percent over the past five years while private, charter, and homeschool enrollment increased approximately 50 percent.

Hobbs announced that the Ranegras Plain Basin in La Paz County was designated as Arizona's newest Active Management Area, making it subject to conservation measures and groundwater pumping restrictions. The designation was initiated by the state department of water resources in November. The basin, which had become depleted, is now under regulatory protection rules.

Hobbs called for a full investigation into a deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis, stating she hoped there would be accountability for the incident. During an interview on Politics Unplugged, Hobbs characterized federal immigration enforcement surges in Democratic-run cities as ineffective at improving community safety. Hobbs indicated her office was developing contingency plans in case ICE expanded operations in the Phoenix area.

The Arizona Supreme Court refused to allow State Schools Chief Horne to sue school districts over their implementation of Proposition 203, a 2000 voter-approved measure requiring structured English immersion instruction for students not proficient in English. The court upheld lower court rulings that Horne lacks legal standing to enforce the proposition in his capacity as superintendent of public instruction. Horne indicated he intends to pursue the matter through a parallel lawsuit filed by his wife, Carmen Chenal Horne, though that case has also faced obstacles in the Court of Appeals.

Arizona Governor Hobbs established a paid parental leave pilot program for state government employees to allow time off following childbirth or adoption. The program was designed to make state government more family-friendly in a state without existing paid parental leave laws. According to the state's HR director, the pilot program has generated cost savings for the state.

Gov. Hobbs issued an executive order in November directing the Arizona Department of Revenue to publish 2025 income tax forms reflecting a standard deduction of $15,750 for individual filers, which she stated she would propose to the Legislature. The figure differs from the actual inflation-adjusted standard deduction of $15,000 currently in effect under Arizona law. If the Republican-controlled Legislature does not enact the tax increase that Hobbs proposes, taxpayers who filed using the forms provided by the state would be required to file amended returns.

Governor Katie Hobbs convened the Workplace Heat Safety Task Force, which released recommendations requiring employers to develop plans ensuring workers have access to water, shade, and rest periods during heat exposure. The recommendations also mandate that employers train supervisors and workers about heat exposure risks, though they do not establish specific temperature thresholds triggering mandatory employer actions. The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health will review these recommendations at a public hearing on February 4 before forwarding a proposal to the Industrial Commission of Arizona for final adoption.

Hobbs signed the Turquoise Alert legislation into law on May 21, 2025, establishing an alert system for missing and murdered Indigenous peoples cases. The law was developed in response to concerns raised by families, advocates, and tribal communities regarding gaps in response protocols for missing Indigenous persons. Two weeks before the next legislative session, Arizona Democratic state lawmakers held a town hall to gather additional input from families and advocates on remaining challenges related to missing and murdered Indigenous peoples cases.

Sen. Wendy Rogers reintroduced legislation in Arizona that would require hospitals to ask patients about their immigration status during medical emergencies, marking the second consecutive year the Republican senator has advanced the proposal. The bill specifies that immigration status information would not affect medical care or be shared with federal immigration authorities. Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed an identical version of the legislation in the previous legislative session.

Governor Hobbs vetoed legislation in May 2023 that would have required the City of Scottsdale to provide water to Rio Verde Foothills for three years following Scottsdale's January 2023 cutoff of water service to the community. In June 2023, Hobbs signed into law a bipartisan bill establishing temporary third-party water distribution to Rio Verde Foothills pending permanent service approval for EPCOR. The permanent water solution became operational on January 1, 2026, when EPCOR opened a standpipe filling station serving the Rio Verde Foothills community.

Governor Hobbs allocated $7.5 million in remaining federal COVID-19 pandemic funds to address processing delays in food stamp and unemployment benefits at the state Department of Economic Security. The funding will support hiring 15 temporary workers to expand capacity for verifying applicants' incomes and address staffing constraints that resulted in a decline of 1,370 eligibility review workers between July 2024 and July 2025. Hobbs attributed part of the delays to federal budget cuts that reduced the federal government's contribution to running the food stamp program, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

GOP state lawmakers introduced bills ahead of the 2026 legislative session that would expand gun rights in Arizona, including measures to repeal restrictions on concealed weapons at colleges and universities. Governor Hobbs has vetoed most similar gun expansion bills during previous legislative sessions. The specific bills referenced would modify existing state law governing where concealed weapons are permitted.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied Arizona's request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Gila and Mohave counties following severe monsoon flooding in September 2025 that caused over 33 million dollars in damage and killed three people. Governor Hobbs declared a state of emergency in late September and submitted a request for the Federal Major Disaster Declaration in late October, which FEMA subsequently denied. Hobbs announced she would submit an appeal within the 30-day window permitted under federal regulations.

Governor Hobbs's administration allocated $10 million in American Rescue Plan COVID relief funds to partner with the nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt to purchase and eliminate medical debt owed by Arizona residents. Through this program, $200 million in additional medical debt was wiped out, bringing the total erased to $642 million owed by more than 485,000 Arizonans as of January 2026. The debt elimination removes negative marks from credit reports of those who accumulated the medical bills, and beneficiaries receive letters crediting both the organization and the Governor's Office.

Governor Hobbs worked on a deal with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to erase medical debt for Arizona residents whose income falls below four times the federal poverty level or whose medical debt comprises 5 percent or more of their income. The initiative resulted in approximately $200 million in medical debt being wiped out, bringing the total erased through the program to nearly $650 million. The nonprofit organization purchases past-due medical debt from lenders at reduced rates to facilitate the debt forgiveness.

Arizona Secretary of State Fontes launched a TikTok account for his office to increase voter engagement and communicate with constituents about election matters. The account was created despite an existing ban on state agency use of the social media platform. Fontes stated in a public statement that election officials should utilize such communication tools to reach voters despite government hesitancy regarding the application.

Arizona Attorney General Mayes announced her opposition to proposed restrictions on SNAP benefits for purchasing sugary foods and drinks, stating such limitations would stigmatize low-income families and distract from efforts to expand access to healthy food options. Mayes also pledged to fight federal demands for detailed personal information about SNAP recipients, joining officials from 20 other states and Washington, D.C., in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's data request. Mayes stated that Arizona would not comply with the federal data demand and warned against using recipient information as a weapon against food assistance programs.

In 2025, Republican lawmakers Rep. Walt Blackman and Sen. Shawnna Bolick introduced House Bill 2063 and Senate Bill 1032 to appropriate $1.5 million in funding for the state Independent Correctional Oversight Office, which was created earlier that year through legislation signed by Gov. Hobbs. The lawmakers stated that Hobbs had indicated she would not sign the original bill if it included funding, leading them to strip the appropriation before passage, but they now seek to fund the office separately to enable it to begin operations. The identical bills in both chambers are intended to advance in parallel toward the governor's desk.

Judicial Watch dropped its lawsuit against Arizona Governor Hobbs regarding public records related to immigration enforcement after the governor's office conducted searches and located no responsive records showing that Hobbs had issued any directive or order to the Department of Public Safety instructing the agency not to cooperate with federal immigration officials. The organization's attorney Michael Bekesha stated that the governor's office provided sufficient documentation of its search process, satisfying the legal burden of proof. Bekesha noted that Judicial Watch had filed the legal action to obtain the information that ultimately led to the resolution.

Hobbs announced that the Arizona Department of Child Safety increased the daily rate for foster families by 50 percent, effective as of her Thursday announcement. The increase provides foster families with an average additional payment of between $1,000 and $1,700 per child per month, with the amount varying based on the level of care provided. The state reported that despite this rate adjustment, it remains short approximately 1,046 foster care homes to meet current demand.

Hobbs announced she would not comply with a Trump administration directive requiring Arizona to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipient data to the Department of Agriculture, despite the federal agency's threat to withhold SNAP funding from the state. The administration stated it would use the data to identify program fraud. Arizona joined more than twenty other states in refusing to share the requested recipient information.

Hobbs defended a proposal to reduce personal income taxes by more than $200 million in Arizona. The proposal was announced as the state faced budget challenges, according to remarks made by Hobbs on Monday. The specific mechanism and implementation details of the tax reduction plan were discussed in the context of the state's broader fiscal situation.

Governor Hobbs announced in December 2025 that she would proceed with a proposal to cut personal income taxes by more than $200 million despite the state facing budget uncertainty from economic conditions and federal funding reductions. Hobbs stated that the tax cuts were necessary to provide financial relief to Arizona residents, citing widespread concerns about affordability. The governor indicated that specific details about offsetting service reductions or budget adjustments would be presented when she unveiled her budget in January, while noting that curbing the universal school voucher program remained under consideration.

Governor Hobbs called on the Arizona Legislature to pass five state tax breaks designed to provide relief to middle-class residents, including increases to the standard deduction, additional write-offs for seniors, and deductions for tips, overtime, and interest on auto loans for American-made vehicles. The proposed tax changes mirror provisions in President Trump's federal legislation and are projected to cost the state $210 million in the current fiscal year. Hobbs stated the tax breaks should be implemented before the next tax filing season while the state addresses potential impacts from federal budgetary changes.

Governor Hobbs signed an executive order on November 20, 2025, directing Arizona's Department of Revenue to align the state tax code with provisions in the federal "Big Beautiful Bill," which was passed by Congress and signed by President Trump. The executive order implements several tax changes including increasing the standard deduction for single filers from $15,000 to $15,750 and for joint filers to $31,500, adding a $6,000 deduction for residents over 65, and allowing deductions for tipped income, overtime income, and car loan interest on American-made vehicles. Hobbs called on the Arizona Legislature to codify these changes, while Republican lawmakers stated that the tax cuts originated with federal Republican policies rather than state initiatives.

Governor Hobbs announced a proposal for Arizona lawmakers to enact tax cuts aligned with federal tax changes approved in the "Big Beautiful Bill" that Congress passed in summer 2025, which she termed her "Middle Class Tax Cuts Package." The proposal would conform Arizona's tax code to the revised federal Internal Revenue Code retroactively to affect 2025 earnings, addressing items such as standard deductions and taxation of tips and overtime. Hobbs' plan is estimated to cost the state $215 million, according to her office, though the full fiscal impact of complete conformity to federal changes had been estimated at $318 million plus an additional $57 million in possible effects by the state's Joint Legislative Budget Committee.

On October 16, Governor Hobbs directed Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System to pursue an emergency revision to the Division of Developmental Disabilities' new assessment tool for determining attendant care and habilitation service eligibility. The revision was intended to ensure the evaluation allows exceptions for extraordinary care cases and creates new service categories including specialty meal preparation, specialty eating, and specialty toileting. This action followed implementation of age-based assessment categories on October 1 that families and advocates argued failed to account for individual diagnoses and cases requiring around-the-clock care.

Hobbs announced support for disclosure legislation requiring companies seeking government contracts to reveal political gifts made to state officials. The governor stated she was reviewing proposals to enact such a state law in response to allegations regarding pay-to-play practices. Hobbs made this statement on Thursday during discussion of potential regulatory measures.

Hobbs vetoed a bill last year that would have required state contractors to disclose campaign contributions, stating the measure was designed to score political points and that existing disclosure requirements already covered such contributions. The governor said she is committed to raising money for her re-election campaign and will do what is necessary to fund a successful campaign. Hobbs made these statements while attending a 50th anniversary celebration of the Apache attack helicopter at a Boeing facility in Mesa.

Following the conclusion of a 43-day government shutdown, Governor Hobbs announced that most Arizonans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits had their assistance restored. Nearly 900,000 Arizona residents who depend on SNAP faced uncertainty regarding food assistance during the shutdown period. The restoration of benefits addressed the gap in nutrition support that occurred while the federal government was shut down.

Governor Hobbs stated in November 2025 that she was considering proposals for state legislation requiring disclosure of political contributions from companies seeking government contracts with her office and future governors. This statement came six months after Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1612, sponsored by Senator T.J. Shope, which would have mandated that bid submissions include disclosure of any donations worth value given by the company or its officers and directors to the governor or gubernatorial funds during the preceding five years. Hobbs had characterized the original bill as a political maneuver, but indicated openness to examining alternative legislative approaches on the disclosure issue.

Governor Hobbs requested intervention from the Trump administration in ongoing negotiations over Colorado River water rights after seven states missed a federal deadline to reach agreement on permanent water usage reductions. Hobbs led a bipartisan letter calling on the federal government to require upper basin states—Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico—to implement binding water supply reductions, arguing that their refusal to participate in cuts had created an impasse in negotiations. The dispute centers on how to allocate water from the Colorado River among seven states serving 40 million people, with the river's flow declining nearly 20 percent over the past 25 years due to drought and climate conditions.

Hobbs allocated $1.8 million in emergency funding to assist Arizona residents during a federal government shutdown that lasted 43 days. The allocation was made to help address gaps in SNAP benefits for families awaiting the resumption of federal food assistance programs. The funding was provided in advance of the federal government's reopening and the restoration of regular benefit distributions.

Governor Hobbs joined Arizona legislative leaders from both parties in sending a letter to U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum requesting federal intervention to ensure any Colorado River agreement includes binding water reduction requirements for Upper Basin states. The letter, sent in November 2025, stated that the refusal of four Upper Basin states to implement verifiable water supply reductions had created an impasse preventing development of a seven-state consensus management plan. Hobbs and the legislators also asked Interior to ensure compliance with the 1922 Colorado River Compact.

Hobbs urged President Trump to end legal challenges to SNAP benefit payments and ensure November benefits were paid in full to Arizona recipients. The statement came after the Trump administration demanded states reverse full SNAP benefits that had been authorized under judicial orders before the U.S. Supreme Court stayed those rulings. Approximately 800,000 Arizonans rely on SNAP benefits, and Hobbs had announced on Friday that the Arizona Department of Economic Security had approved transmission of November benefit payments before the subsequent Supreme Court action created confusion.

Governor Hobbs announced on Friday that Arizona residents receiving SNAP assistance would begin receiving full benefits for November following approval by the Arizona Department of Economic Security to transmit benefit payment files to SNAP recipients. The announcement came amid a legal dispute between the Trump administration and federal courts regarding SNAP funding availability during the federal government shutdown. Hobbs's announcement preceded a Supreme Court ruling that temporarily blocked a lower court order requiring full SNAP funding.

Hobbs announced that $1.5 million would be deployed to Arizona food banks in response to nearly 900,000 Arizonans losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits during a federal government shutdown. The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona acknowledged the allocation but noted that details regarding the timing of fund distribution and the amount allocated to the local bank remained unclear at the time of announcement. The funds were intended to address increased food insecurity across the state resulting from the lapse in SNAP benefits.

On November 7, 2025, Governor Hobbs directed the Arizona Department of Economic Security to take swift action to distribute full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for November to approximately 800,000 recipients after a federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration's attempt to block a judicial order requiring full monthly payments during the federal government shutdown. Hobbs stated that the Trump administration had withheld over $100 million in SNAP benefits for Arizona and that SNAP recipients began receiving their full November benefits on their EBT cards starting Friday with continued distributions over the following days. The directive followed a federal court order mandating full food benefit distributions through November rather than the partial payments the administration had planned.

Hobbs applied for $1 billion in federal funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program to assist rural health care providers in Arizona. The program makes $50 billion in total funds available, with half of the funds distributed equally among qualifying states. Hobbs's application outlined a plan to allocate the requested funds across a range of rural health care initiatives.

Hobbs submitted an application on November 5, 2025, to obtain $1 billion in federal funding from the Rural Health Care Grant Program established by Congress in the "Big Beautiful Bill" to support rural health care delivery across Arizona's 15 counties. The application was submitted ahead of the federal deadline and seeks to address financial challenges facing rural hospitals in the state, particularly those identified as at high risk of closure including facilities in Nogales, Bisbee, Globe, Page, and Winslow. The federal funding is part of a $50 billion allocation designated for rural health care support over five years, with at least half of the total funding reserved for distribution to states by law.

Judicial Watch, a national conservative organization, filed a lawsuit against Hobbs seeking public records related to statements she made regarding Arizona police cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The lawsuit alleges that Hobbs' office is illegally withholding documents connected to her statements about not using state resources to assist with deportations. The legal action was initiated in response to communications Hobbs made in late 2024 on the subject of state involvement in immigration enforcement activities.

Governor Hobbs announced the allocation of $1.8 million in remaining COVID-19 relief funds to address food insecurity in Arizona, distributing $1.5 million to food banks and $300,000 to establish the Food Bucks Now program. The Food Bucks Now program provided vouchers redeemable at participating retailers including farmers markets across the state. The funding was deployed in response to uncertainties surrounding federal SNAP benefit distributions amid federal funding questions.

Governor Hobbs made available the ArrayRx prescription discount card program to Arizona residents as previously announced. The program provides an average 18% discount on named prescription drugs and an average 80% discount on generic medications for uninsured individuals or those seeking alternatives to insurance coverage. Arizonans can register for the free card at arrayrxcard.com.

Hobbs announced that Arizona allocated $300,000 toward a temporary program called "Food Bucks Now," which provides $30 vouchers to families receiving SNAP assistance to purchase fresh produce and healthy foods at participating farmers markets and community grocers during the federal shutdown. The initiative was established in response to uncertainty surrounding SNAP funding continuity after federal court rulings on the matter. Hobbs stated that declaring a state of emergency remained under consideration as the state monitored ongoing litigation regarding the continuation of federal benefits.

Governor Hobbs announced the release of $1.8 million from a pandemic-era relief program in response to the federal suspension of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. Of that allocation, $1.5 million will be distributed to food banks across Arizona, while $300,000 will fund "Food Bucks Now," an emergency program created by Hobbs that provides $30 vouchers for food purchases at participating retailers, with capacity for 10,000 vouchers. The announcement came after Attorney General Kris Mayes publicly stated she was "underwhelmed" by the state's initial response and called for Hobbs to convene a special legislative session to access the state's rainy day fund.

Hobbs attributed problems with Arizona's unemployment system to federal funding cuts rather than to a new benefits tool launched by the state's Department of Economic Security in the previous month. The governor's statement came as KJZZ reported on numerous Arizona residents who experienced difficulties filing claims or receiving unemployment payments following the system's rollout. Hobbs did not announce changes to the new benefits tool or propose alternative solutions to address the reported issues.

Governor Katie Hobbs declared $1.8 million in emergency aid through the American Rescue Plan Act to support Arizona food banks as SNAP funding lapsed due to a federal government shutdown affecting over 950,000 Arizona residents. Hobbs announced a $30 one-time voucher program through Food Bucks for SNAP-eligible Arizonans to use at select grocery stores and farmers' markets, with $300,000 allocated to this effort. On October 30, 2025, Hobbs visited St. Mary's Food Bank in Phoenix to distribute groceries and address the state's response to the funding gap.

Hobbs announced $1.8 million in emergency food assistance from state funds in response to a federal freeze on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits scheduled to take effect in November 2025. The allocation included $1.5 million from federal pandemic relief funds directed to food banks across Arizona and $300,000 for a new emergency program providing $30 vouchers to SNAP-eligible households for fresh produce and groceries. The state funding was intended to provide temporary relief to approximately 951,000 Arizona residents who rely on SNAP while the federal program remained unfunded due to a government shutdown.

Attorney General Mayes filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday alongside attorneys general from 22 other states and the District of Columbia, plus three governors, seeking to compel the Trump administration to use $5 billion from a contingency fund to provide November food stamp allotments to approximately 900,000 Arizonans during a federal government shutdown. The lawsuit contends that Congress authorized the U.S. Department of Agriculture to access the contingency account for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the event of a government shutdown. The USDA responded that the funds were designated for other contingencies, such as disaster relief, rather than regular benefits.

Hobbs declined to use state funds to supplement SNAP benefits in November 2025 during the federal government shutdown, stating that Arizona did not have available resources to fill the gap created by the USDA's suspension of food aid. Hobbs joined 24 other state attorneys general and governors in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture to force resumption of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which serves approximately 951,000 Arizonans. The lawsuit argued that the USDA possessed a $6 billion contingency reserve that should be deployed to maintain SNAP benefits, which had never been interrupted during a previous government shutdown.

Hobbs joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's pause on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding. The lawsuit, filed alongside 21 other Democratic attorneys general and three governors, seeks a federal court order to compel continuation of SNAP funding. The program serves approximately 900,000 Arizonans according to state figures.

Arizona Governor Hobbs signed Preston's Law in 2025, legislation that establishes harsher penalties for individuals convicted of group-style beatings known as "swarming." The law was enacted following the 2023 death of 16-year-old Preston Lord, who was fatally beaten outside a Queen Creek Halloween party by seven young adults. The statute represents a policy response to teen violence in the East Valley region.

Hobbs stated that Arizona does not have the funding available to backfill the loss in federal SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. Nearly 900,000 Arizona residents, including more than 367,000 children, rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Hobbs indicated the state is not in a position to intervene to replace the federal benefits.

Republican lawmakers including House Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen filed notice to appeal a federal court ruling that struck down an Arizona law requiring transgender individuals to undergo surgery before amending their birth certificates. U.S. District Court Judge James Soto had voided the surgery requirement and directed the health department to begin issuing amended birth certificates based on physician attestation of transgender status starting in January. The lawmakers' legal filing argued that Judge Soto's decision represented a departure from the five-decade-old state law and expressed concern about the vigor of the state Attorney General's defense of the statute.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on October 21, 2025, seeking to compel House Speaker Mike Johnson to swear in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva, a Democrat from Tucson who won a special election on September 23, 2025. The lawsuit challenged Johnson's refusal to seat Grijalva four weeks after her election victory, arguing that no constitutional or procedural basis existed for the delay and that the speaker was using the delay as leverage in budget negotiations and to prevent a vote on releasing investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Mayes stated that Johnson's actions deprived Arizona voters of their full representation in Congress and treated Arizonans as "second-class citizens in their own democracy."

Hobbs traveled to Mexico as part of a delegation of government and business leaders to strengthen Arizona's relationship with the Mexican government during a period of potential trade negotiations. The trip focused on business and trade matters, particularly regarding the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement, which faces review in the coming year amid tariff discussions. Hobbs also planned to address water conservation and border security during meetings scheduled through Wednesday.

University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella declined to sign the Trump administration compact on October 22, 2025, stating in a letter to U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon that the university had not agreed to the compact's terms. Garimella cited the need to preserve academic freedom, merit-based research funding, and institutional independence, stating that federal research funding should be determined solely on merit rather than tied to administration policy commitments. The University of Arizona indicated it would compete for federally funded research without signing the compact.

Governor Hobbs characterized the Trump administration's proposed higher-education compact offered to the University of Arizona as a bad deal, citing concerns about policy demands made as conditions for federal funding access. Hobbs, who serves as a voting member of the Arizona Board of Regents, abstained from an executive session held on Friday to discuss the compact and declined to use her influence on whether UA President Suresh Garimella should accept the agreement. The 10-page "compact for academic excellence in higher education" was sent to nine universities on October 1, with five schools declining participation as of late Friday.

Hobbs announced a pause on policy changes to the Division of Developmental Disabilities that had taken effect on October 1, 2025. The changes had implemented new evaluation procedures for determining service needs of children with disabilities, which advocates stated would have reduced critical service hours based on age restrictions alone. Hobbs stated that exceptions would now be permitted and that parents and providers would participate in a public comment process to inform a revised assessment tool.

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that Secretary of State Fontes does not need to follow complex procedural requirements when making changes to the state's Elections Procedures Manual, rejecting arguments from the Arizona Republican Party and Republican National Committee that a 15-day public comment period was insufficient. The manual serves as guidance for county election officials on matters ranging from voter registration to ballot counting. The court's decision remanded the case to the Court of Appeals to determine whether the specific content Fontes included in the manual complies with state law.

Mayes joined multiple state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for canceling the Solar For All program, a federal grant initiative funded by the Environmental Protection Agency designed to expand solar energy access in Arizona. The program had been scheduled to launch in 2026 before the administration terminated it. The legal action challenged the cancellation of the federally funded solar energy initiative.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes threatened to sue U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson if he did not arrange for the immediate swearing-in of Adelita Grijalva following her election to fill the congressional seat vacated by her father's death. Grijalva won a special election with approximately 70 percent of over 102,000 votes cast, and Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes formally certified the election results. Mayes stated that Johnson was acting illegally by withholding administration of the oath of office and that with the House in possession of the certificate of election, swearing in Grijalva had become a ministerial duty.

Hobbs announced that EPCOR became the first company operating in Arizona to receive an Alternative Designation of Assured Water Supply under a new program developed by Arizona's water department. The designation was formalized through a signed declaration on October 7, 2025. The alternative designation provides West Valley housing developers with access to a new water provider and enables development in the region.

Hobbs visited Globe, Arizona on October 4, 2025, following severe flooding in late September that resulted in three deaths and extensive property damage. Hobbs requested an emergency declaration from the Small Business Administration to enable affected business owners to apply for low-interest, direct loans for recovery. The state's incident management team transitioned recovery operations back to local officials on October 5, while continuing to provide operational support to the Globe Fire Department for cleanup efforts.

Arizona Secretary of State Fontes submitted a new draft of the state's Elections Procedures Manual to the governor and attorney general for approval in October 2025. The submission occurred despite Republican lawmakers raising concerns that portions of the document violated election laws. Fontes proceeded with finalizing the manual as the state's chief election official.

During the federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona closed to the public, turning away tourists and requiring park rangers to enforce the closure at gated entrances. Governor Hobbs declined to use state funding to keep national parks open during the shutdown, a measure the Arizona government had employed during previous federal shutdowns. Hobbs's spokesman stated that the state could not afford to subsidize park operations due to what he characterized as federal policies affecting state finances.

Governor Hobbs signed HB 2112 into law during the most recent legislative session, which requires Arizona residents to provide digital identification such as a driver's license or credit card to access adult content online; the law took effect on Friday, September 26, 2025. Civil rights advocates have raised concerns that the age verification requirement violates First Amendment protections, citing potential privacy and constitutional issues with the identification mandate. Republican legislators, including Prime Sponsor Rep. Nick Kupper, stated the bill was intended to prevent minors from accessing explicit online content.

Hobbs declined to allocate Arizona state funds to maintain Grand Canyon National Park operations during a federal government shutdown that occurred when federal funding expired. The decision distinguished her approach from that of her Republican predecessors, who had previously spent state resources to keep Arizona landmarks open during similar federal funding lapses. Hobbs' action meant that without a federal funding agreement, the park would close along with other federal government services.

Hobbs signed at least 250 bills into law following the first regular session of the 57th Arizona Legislature, in which lawmakers introduced 1,854 bills, memorials, and resolutions. Most bills signed by Hobbs officially became law on October 3, 2025. Among the legislation signed was SB 1658, known as Jerry's Law, which expanded the legal definition of animal cruelty to include an owner's intentional, knowing, or reckless failure to provide adequate medical attention to a domestic animal.

Hobbs appointed a new director to lead the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the state's Medicaid agency. This appointment followed the resignation of her original nominee, Carmen Heredia, in April after the Republican-controlled Legislature indicated it would not approve her. The appointment represents Hobbs' latest personnel decision for the agency after more than two years of conflict with the Legislature over director confirmations.

Hobbs issued a state of emergency declaration for Gila County in response to flash flooding in the city of Globe on September 28, 2025, which caused significant damage and resulted in at least two deaths. The declaration authorized support for search and rescue operations in the affected area. The declaration also directed state resources toward cleanup and recovery efforts, with coordination from several local agencies.

Governor Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1543 into law in April, which blocks a citizen-initiated referendum that would have required voter approval for Axon's proposed 70-acre campus development in Scottsdale. The legislation fast-tracks rezoning for the $1.3 billion project near Loop 101 and Hayden Road by preventing the ballot measure that had collected over 27,000 signatures from proceeding. Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky had requested that Hobbs veto the legislation, arguing it would negatively impact communities throughout the state.

Hobbs signed an executive order designed to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines in Arizona. The order was issued in response to federal policy changes related to vaccine distribution and availability. The executive order addresses the status of COVID-19 vaccine access within the state.

Governor Hobbs signed House Bill 2112 into law in May 2025, which requires adult content websites to implement age verification procedures using government-issued identification or otherwise restrict access to Arizona users. The law takes effect on September 26, 2025, and allows parents to pursue civil litigation against companies that fail to prevent minors from accessing adult websites. Major adult content platforms, including Pornhub, announced they would block access for Arizona IP addresses rather than implement the age verification requirements.

Governor Katie Hobbs appointed Jimmy McCain, son of the late Senator John McCain, to the Arizona Board of Regents in September 2025. McCain, a Marine Corps veteran with service in Afghanistan and Iraq, holds a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees from Arizona State University and is pursuing a doctorate in education. The appointment filled a seat reserved for a resident of Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, or Yavapai County after Hobbs's previous nominee, Liz Archuleta, was unable to secure Senate confirmation.

The Arizona Department of Health Services issued a standing order to broaden access to COVID-19 vaccines for all Arizonans following a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel vote to limit vaccine access. The standing order functioned as a prescription mechanism that allowed individuals to receive COVID-19 vaccines without requiring a separate consultation with a healthcare provider. The action was taken in response to the CDC panel's recommendation that people consult a health care provider before obtaining the vaccines.

Arizona enacted legislation requiring publishers of material deemed "harmful to minors" to implement age-verification systems, either through digital identification or commercial verification services, before granting access to such content. The law, which took effect on September 26, 2025, authorizes parents to seek penalties of $10,000 per day from non-compliant publishers and allows courts to impose fines up to $250,000 if minors under 18 gain access to restricted materials. The legislation was approved despite constitutional concerns regarding potential privacy risks from uploading government identification documents for age verification purposes.

Following the death of Emily Pike, a fourteen-year-old member of the San Carlos Apache tribe who was murdered in January 2025, Governor Hobbs signed "Emily's Law," legislation establishing an alert system for missing Native Americans in Arizona. The law was enacted in response to Pike's case, in which she went missing from a Mesa group home and was later found dead. The alert system represents a regulatory response to address gaps in notification procedures for missing Indigenous persons in the state.

Hobbs issued an order to lower flags at all state buildings to half-staff on September 17, 2025, in honor of Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District firefighter Brenna Kulikowski, and on September 18, 2025, in honor of firefighter Damon Thompson. Both firefighters were killed in a head-on collision on State Route 260 near Show Low on September 15, 2025, while returning to their station in an ambulance. Hobbs released a statement acknowledging their service and sacrifice in the line of duty.

Governor Hobbs responded to the discovery that inmate David Cramer had been released early from Lewis Prison in June 2025 using forged court documents by stating that her administration took action to return him to custody upon learning of the fraudulent documentation. Cramer, who was sentenced in 2014 to serve until 2047 for kidnapping, resisting arrest, and unlawful imprisonment, was released after his daughters submitted forged court orders and writs of execution to the Arizona Department of Corrections. Hobbs indicated that her office was conducting a review across state systems to prevent similar incidents involving fraudulent documentation in the future.

Hobbs signed an executive order designed to streamline the development of new electricity generating infrastructure across Arizona. The executive order was announced alongside efforts by Attorney General Kris Mayes to address rising energy prices in the state. Hobbs stated the order was intended to enable the delivery of affordable energy to businesses and families across Arizona.

Governor Hobbs formed a task force that identified teacher retention as a critical issue in Arizona, finding that 13% of teachers were seeking to leave the profession in 2023, compared to 8% nationwide. In response, Arizona launched a pilot teacher apprenticeship program in Maricopa County in partnership with Mesa Public Schools, Phoenix Union High School District, the Arizona Teacher Residency Program, and PLC Charter Schools. The apprenticeship provides on-the-job training alongside mentor teachers at $20 per hour, with the program covering college costs for participants without degrees, lasting either one or four years depending on educational background.

In September 2025, Republican legislative leaders sought to dismiss a lawsuit filed by doctors challenging three separate restrictions on abortion that the Arizona Legislature had enacted. Attorney Justin Smith, representing Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Steve Montenegro, argued before a judge that the doctors lacked legal standing to sue because they faced no imminent threat of prosecution given Governor Katie Hobbs's 2023 executive order delegating enforcement authority to Attorney General Kris Mayes, who had publicly committed not to prosecute violations of abortion laws. The state's top Republican lawmakers contended the abortion restrictions remained legally valid despite Arizona voters approving a constitutional amendment in November 2024 guaranteeing a fundamental right to abortion.

Arizona's elected mine inspector Paul Marsh resigned from his position, which he had held since 2021. Governor Hobbs announced the resignation on Friday and appointed a replacement to serve out the remainder of Marsh's term. Arizona is the only state that elects a mine inspector, a position that ranks among the highest elected offices in the state despite limited public recognition.

Governor Hobbs announced a goal for Arizona to expand energy generation and reduce electricity consumption to enable the state to attract data centers and other large power users. The initiative addresses projected energy demand growth in Arizona, though Hobbs did not publicly address concerns about the substantial water consumption required for data center cooling operations. The proposal comes as Tucson city officials have raised questions about data center development, with the Tucson City Council voting unanimously to withdraw from an annexation related to a proposed data center project.

In April 2025, Hobbs signed legislation that made permanent a COVID-era program providing payments to parents caring for children with disabilities while establishing service hour limits based on age rather than individual need. The policy changes are scheduled to take effect October 1, 2025, and will reduce authorized service hours for some children with severe disabilities. Disability advocates have requested that the Governor's Office incorporate exception language into the policy to account for individual circumstances rather than applying uniform age-based limitations.

Hobbs issued an executive order designed to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines across Arizona following FDA approval of a new vaccine formulation for limited populations. The FDA had approved the updated vaccines for older adults and individuals with severe health conditions, creating potential access gaps for other groups including healthy children and young adults. The executive order addressed these gaps by establishing measures to broaden vaccine availability across the state's population.

Governor Hobbs issued an executive order in September 2025 directing the Arizona Department of Health Services to issue standing orders allowing pharmacists and healthcare providers to administer COVID vaccines according to nationally recognized clinical guidance. The action was taken in response to updated federal Food and Drug Administration guidelines that restricted vaccine access to individuals 65 and older or those with high-risk health conditions, eliminating the previous ability for any adult to obtain the vaccine without a prescription at retail pharmacies. Hobbs stated the order was intended to ensure continued vaccine availability to Arizonans, though the executive order did not address whether insurance companies would cover the cost of vaccination.

Gov. Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Thursday, September 11, 2025, in commemoration of the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The directive honored the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks, including civilians, first responders, and military personnel, as well as survivors and affected families. Hobbs issued a statement acknowledging the bravery of first responders who responded to the attacks.

Governor Hobbs signed an executive order on September 11, 2025, directing the Arizona Department of Health Services and the state Board of Pharmacy to expand access to updated COVID-19 vaccines. The order instructed the Board of Pharmacy to issue standing orders enabling pharmacists to administer the vaccines without individual prescriptions and directed state insurance regulators to encourage health care plan providers to continue covering the cost of the vaccine. The executive order addressed confusion over updated guidelines and state regulations that had previously limited vaccine availability through pharmacies.

Governor Hobbs and the Arizona Commerce Authority announced the establishment of a Trade and Investment Office in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday, making it Arizona's third Asian investment office alongside existing offices in Taiwan and South Korea. The office aims to facilitate economic activity and direct investment between Arizona and Japan, with the state reporting bilateral trade reached $3.7 billion in 2024. Tsutomu Hashimoto, a business executive with 42 years of experience including over 30 years at Sumitomo Corporation, was selected to lead the new office.

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes proposed a new Elections Procedures Manual containing provisions that Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Steve Montenegro contend exceed authority granted by state law, including changes to voter registration processes and rules for challenging early ballots. Petersen and Montenegro stated that if Fontes did not revise the manual to align with existing state law, they would pursue litigation, asserting that the Legislature holds exclusive authority to establish election rules. Fontes's spokesman Aaron Thacker characterized the litigation threat as premature and indicated the manual adoption process remained ongoing.

Governor Hobbs stated during a media event that changes are needed at the Arizona Department of Child Safety in response to the deaths of three children known to the agency, indicating she would examine both administrative modifications and potential legislative reforms. Hobbs indicated her focus would be on protecting vulnerable Arizonans while ensuring changes are implemented correctly. The governor's statement followed a closed-door stakeholder meeting in the Arizona Senate convened to address systemic failures identified in cases including that of Emily Pike, a 14-year-old tribal member whose remains were found in July 2024.

Governor Hobbs announced on Tuesday that the U.S. Small Business Administration issued an administrative declaration of economic injury disaster for Arizona following the Dragon Bravo Fire and White Sage Fire near the Grand Canyon North Rim. The declaration allows businesses and private nonprofits in affected areas of Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai counties, as well as the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Havasupai Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe to access low-interest loans from the SBA. Affected businesses in the disaster area became eligible to apply for financial assistance to address economic injuries sustained from the wildfires.

Attorney General Mayes issued an official opinion on August 19, 2025, concluding that tens of thousands of Arizona voters affected by a Motor Vehicle Division data storage glitch cannot be removed from voter registration rolls. The glitch had incorrectly indicated that certain voters possessed driver's licenses issued after October 1, 1996, when Arizona began requiring proof of citizenship, though some of those individuals actually held licenses predating that requirement. Mayes directed county recorders that they cannot unilaterally cancel registrations of affected individuals and stated that failure to respond to proof-of-citizenship notices alone cannot serve as grounds for removal, requiring instead affirmative evidence of non-citizenship.

Robson stated at a Maricopa County Republican meeting in August 2025 that she has "never supported free tuition for illegal aliens" and expressed support for President Trump's April 2025 executive order directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to sue states offering lower tuition to residents without legal status. This statement appeared to disavow her 2022 support for Arizona Proposition 308, which voters approved by a margin of 51.2% to 48.8%, allowing high school graduates in Arizona to receive in-state tuition at state colleges and universities regardless of immigration status. Robson had previously appeared in a campaign commercial urging voter support for Proposition 308, stating it would improve Arizona's economy by retaining skilled workers.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes determined that Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller lacked authority to investigate state Senator Analise Ortiz regarding social media posts about immigration enforcement activities in her community. Miller had offered to conduct an investigation of Ortiz on behalf of the Arizona Legislature following her online posts about real-time Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions. Mayes's decision established limits on the county attorney's jurisdiction in matters involving state lawmakers.

Governor Hobbs declared a state of emergency on August 12, 2025, following the collapse of the Oxbow Bridge in Cibola, La Paz County, after a fire destroyed the wooden structure. The declaration authorized state coordination with local, federal, and Tribal partners to respond to the disaster, with initial priorities including removal of debris from the Colorado River and protection of downstream infrastructure. Hobbs stated that the state would continue supporting La Paz County while prioritizing the safety of Arizonans.

In June 2025, Governor Hobbs led a statewide effort to reduce cell phone use in schools, with the Casa Grande Union High School District implementing a strict policy requiring students to store phones in boxes during class time, between periods, and at lunch. The district reported positive results within three weeks of the school year, with teachers noting improved student engagement and punctuality. By September 26, 2025, all schools in Arizona were expected to have implemented some form of cell phone policy as part of this statewide initiative.

Governor Hobbs signed a state law that permits duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes on single-family zoned properties within one mile of downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Flagstaff. The law overrides local zoning restrictions, including conservation plans established by municipalities like the City of Phoenix. The legislation is scheduled to take effect in 2026.

Hobbs visited the Nogales Port of Entry on Thursday to observe Task Force SAFE, an Arizona National Guard operation supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection in combating drug trafficking at ports of entry. The troops deployed to Arizona ports in June 2024 have intercepted 16 million fentanyl pills during 2025, according to state officials. Hobbs sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem requesting $700 million in federal reimbursement for Arizona's border security expenses since 2021, citing recently passed federal legislation that allows states to seek repayment for border security efforts.

Governor Hobbs stated that individuals should not face prosecution for informing others through social media about the locations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement enforcement actions. Hobbs made this statement in response to Senate President Warren Petersen's request that the U.S. Attorney for Arizona investigate whether State Senator Analise Ortiz violated federal law by posting real-time updates about ICE enforcement activities. Hobbs's comments came as other state legislators, including Senator Jake Hoffman, indicated they would file complaints against Ortiz for alleged violations of legislative conduct rules.

Gov. Hobbs signed an executive order on Wednesday joining Arizona to the Array Rx program, a nonprofit consortium that provides state-issued discount prescription cards offering an average 18% discount on named prescription drugs and an average 80% markdown for generics with no cost to cardholders. The program, which already operates in Connecticut, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, is expected to begin enrollment for Arizona residents in early 2026. Hobbs stated the program's focus is lowering drug costs for constituents rather than generating profits, distinguishing it from existing private discount card services like GoodRx and SingleCare.

Hobbs announced an expansion of the Arizona is Home first-time homebuyer assistance program, which her office had launched the previous year. The program provides down payment assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers in Arizona. Hobbs noted that funding for the initiative was depleting and the sustainability of the program remained uncertain.

Hobbs signed an executive order on Wednesday to establish a state-issued prescription discount card program in Arizona, aligning the state with others that have implemented similar initiatives. The action represents a shift in approach after Hobbs' 2024 proposal to implement drug price caps did not advance through the legislature. The discount card program is designed to reduce out-of-pocket prescription medication costs for Arizona residents.

Governor Hobbs allocated $5 million from Arizona's share of federal COVID relief dollars to expand the Arizona is Home program, which provides down-payment assistance to first-time homebuyers in Pima and Maricopa counties. The allocation provided $9,000 in assistance per household, enabling approximately 75 homebuyers in Pima County and 65 in Maricopa County to purchase homes. Combined with an earlier $13 million allocation, the program has facilitated the purchase of 589 homes across the state's rural counties and is expected to reach a total of 1,000 assisted homebuyers statewide.

Hobbs signed SB 1182 in May 2025, an emergency measure that permits general construction activities to begin as early as 5 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. on Saturdays between May 1 and October 15, with the intent to allow crews to work during cooler morning hours. The law prohibits municipalities and counties from enforcing noise ordinances against general construction during these times, though it contains no explicit provisions regarding homeowners associations. Since enactment, some construction crews have reported being denied access to properties within community associations during the permitted early morning hours, creating tension between construction industry representatives and HOA management.

Attorney General Kris Mayes informed a Maricopa County Superior Court that she believes several Arizona abortion restrictions are unconstitutional and will not defend them in litigation brought by doctors challenging the laws. Governor Katie Hobbs's position on the abortion restrictions was noted in the court proceedings as the case advanced toward scheduled arguments in November. The case involves challenges to multiple abortion restrictions under Arizona law, with the court denying a motion to bar Republican lawmakers from defending the statutes.

Governor Hobbs sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem requesting federal reimbursement for approximately $760 million in border security expenses that Arizona has accumulated since January 2021. The expenses included funding for law enforcement efforts to combat border-related crime, coordinated state and federal task force operations, and personnel support at international ports of entry. Hobbs based the reimbursement request on a recently passed congressional budget bill that established the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund to assist states in covering border security project costs implemented during the Biden administration.

Hobbs requested approximately $760 million in federal reimbursement to Arizona for border security expenses incurred since 2021. The request includes approximately $100 million spent by former Governor Doug Ducey on border security measures. Hobbs submitted the reimbursement request to the federal government for funds expended by the state on border-related costs.

The Arizona Legislature passed legislation that Governor Hobbs signed into law in the previous year authorizing homeowners to construct accessory dwelling units on their property to address housing affordability. The law permits the construction of ADUs as a regulatory mechanism for increasing housing supply. The specific dimensions and allowances established by the legislation have become the subject of a local zoning dispute in Phoenix regarding a proposed structure that exceeds municipal height restrictions.

Governor Hobbs ordered the closure of Arizona State Prison-Marana at the end of 2023 after determining the state no longer required the facility's 500 beds. The state subsequently sold the shuttered prison to Management & Training Corp., the company that originally constructed and operated the facility, for $15 million. The company has not publicly disclosed its plans for the facility, though officials have indicated it may be used as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center.

Throughout 2025, Arizona state Rep. Gail Griffin used her leadership of key water and land use committees in the Republican-controlled Legislature to influence negotiations over managing the state's dwindling water supplies. Governor Katie Hobbs proposed bipartisan legislation to regulate groundwater pumping in rural areas, but the measure failed to gain Griffin's support and did not advance. Following the legislative stalemate, Hobbs indicated she would exercise executive authority to impose regulations in specific areas, including the Willcox Basin north of Douglas.

Governor Hobbs vetoed Arizona Senate Bill 1109 in June, which would have blocked land sales to foreign adversaries near military sites, determining that the bill lacked clear enforcement tools and failed to directly address espionage risks. Hobbs subsequently signed the Blocking Adversarial Nations (BAN) Act, legislation that prohibits land ownership by foreign adversaries near military bases or critical infrastructure in Arizona. The BAN Act represented a broader approach to addressing concerns about foreign land acquisition near sensitive installations.

Governor Hobbs announced in July 2025 that 900 Arizona children would gain access to the Child Care Assistance Program through funding allocated in the Arizona Promise Budget. The announcement made available $125.9 million in combined state and federal funds for child care assistance to low-income families, with eligible families notified by letter, email, and text message to confirm their enrollment by July 25. Hobbs stated the allocation represented the largest investment of general funds for child care since the Great Recession and was intended to reduce the state's child care waitlist.

The Arizona Department of Water Resources approved a water transfer allowing the city of Buckeye to withdraw up to 5,926 acre-feet of water annually from the Harquahala basin for up to 110 years, sufficient to serve more than 17,000 homes. In the same order, Queen Creek was authorized to take up to 5,000 acre-feet annually, adequate for approximately 15,000 homes. This represented the first legal transfer of water from rural Arizona into an active management area with growth restrictions, occurring after the agency had previously refused to issue building permits in these areas due to insufficient 100-year water supplies.

Governor Hobbs submitted a request to the Biden administration in 2023 for $512 million in federal reimbursement for border security expenses incurred by Arizona, including approximately $200 million spent on a shipping container wall constructed along the southern border in Yuma and Cochise counties and over $100 million allocated to local law enforcement for drug smuggling and human trafficking prevention efforts. The reimbursement request remains under review and has not been formally submitted as of July 2025. Congress subsequently passed a federal budget bill that month establishing the State Border Security Reinforcement Fund with over $10 billion available to reimburse states for border security projects, potentially making Arizona's container wall and related initiatives eligible for reimbursement.

Governor Hobbs signed SB 1658, known as "Jerry's Law," which redefines animal cruelty offenses in Arizona. The legislation was enacted following a reported rise in violent animal cruelty cases including strangulations, poisonings, stabbings, drownings, and neglect. The Arizona Humane Society indicated the law represents a legal framework update for addressing animal mistreatment prosecutions.

Governor Katie Hobbs allocated $10 million in COVID relief funds to the nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt, which purchases unpaid medical debt from collection agencies and hospitals to erase it. As of July 2025, the program had eliminated $429 million in medical bills for approximately 352,000 Arizona residents, with projections that the full allocation could eventually wipe out $2 billion in medical debt statewide. The relief is distributed automatically to eligible individuals without requiring applications, and Hobbs's agreement with the charity requires that beneficiaries be notified of the debt forgiveness through letters identifying the governor's role in funding the program.

Governor Hobbs called for an independent investigation into the federal government's handling of the Dragon Bravo Fire, which began on July 4 and spread across the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, destroying dozens of buildings including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. Hobbs stated that an incident of this magnitude demands intense oversight and scrutiny into the federal government's emergency response. Her call for investigation joined similar demands from other Arizona officials, including U.S. Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, and U.S. Representative Paul Gosar, who sought answers about the decision to treat the fire as a controlled burn rather than attempt immediate suppression.

Governor Hobbs approved $54 million in total funding for the Arizona Promise Program during fiscal year 2026, comprising $16.3 million in one-time scholarships, $20 million in ongoing annual funding, and $17.7 million in one-time surplus funding. The Arizona Promise Program provides scholarships covering tuition and fees for eligible low-income Arizona students attending the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or Northern IAU Northern Arizona University. The program, which began in 2022, had received approximately $20 million in total funding in the previous fiscal year.

Governor Hobbs signed SB 1658 into law this week, establishing new regulations defining animal cruelty in Arizona. The law clarifies that individuals can be charged if they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly harm a pet without providing proper medical attention, and requires outdoor dogs to have access to well-maintained shelter that protects them from the elements and allows them to stand, turn around, and lie down. The legislation includes exceptions for working dogs and dogs owned by those experiencing homelessness.

Governor Hobbs stated that Arizona should seek reimbursement from the federal government for expenses incurred in constructing and removing a container barrier wall along the US-Mexico border under her predecessor, Governor Ducey. Hobbs noted that recently approved federal legislation, known as the Big Beautiful Bill, includes $10 billion in grants available to states that funded border barriers or security measures since January 20, 2021. Hobbs indicated that Arizona, which spent approximately $170 million on the container wall's construction and removal, should apply for a portion of these federal funds.

Arizona Attorney General Mayes filed court complaints against New York Smoke Shop in Chandler and Pro Source, which operates three valley locations, alleging both businesses repeatedly sold tobacco and nicotine products to minors in violation of state law. Mayes is seeking injunctions to permanently prohibit the businesses and their owners from involvement in Arizona's tobacco industry, citing undercover inspection failure rates of 83 percent for New York Smoke Shop and 67 percent for Pro Source, compared to a statewide average of 13 percent since 2016. The enforcement action follows Governor Hobbs's signing of legislation in June 2025 that raises Arizona's tobacco sales age from 18 to 21, effective in late September 2025.

Governor Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1658, known as "Jerry's Law," on June 27, 2025, expanding Arizona's animal cruelty protections to require owners of domestic animals to provide reasonable access to food, water, and shelter while mandating veterinary care to prevent unreasonable suffering. The legislation broadened the definition of domestic animals to include birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and established criminal penalties ranging from class one misdemeanor to class six felony for violations. The law was developed in response to a 2023 case involving 55 disabled dogs rescued from severe abuse and neglect and will take effect on September 26, 2025.

Hobbs signed House Bill 2281 into law in June 2025, establishing the Arizona Turquoise Alert program to assist law enforcement in locating missing persons under age 65 and tribal members who have disappeared under unexplained or suspicious circumstances. The alert system, also known as "Emily's Law" in reference to 14-year-old Emily Pike, a San Carlos Apache tribal member, activates when a law enforcement agency has exhausted local resources and determines the missing person may be in danger. The program operates alongside existing alert systems including the Silver Alert for missing persons over 65 and the Amber Alert for abducted children.

Governor Hobbs signed legislation in May 2025 creating the Turquoise Alerts system, a statewide notification mechanism for missing Indigenous persons modeled after the Amber Alert framework. The bill passed unanimously through the Arizona legislature and authorized an early launch of the alert system. Turquoise Alerts enable rapid public notification when Indigenous people are reported missing in Arizona.

Governor Katie Hobbs' administration renewed a $170,000-annual contract with Dana Allmond as a senior executive consultant at the Department of Economic Security, following Allmond's replacement as head of the Department of Veterans' Services. The contract was renewed as the Department of Economic Security simultaneously eliminated 5 percent of its regular staff positions due to federal grant eliminations and cost-shifting from the federal government to the state. Press aide Christian Slater stated that Allmond would serve on the DES "senior engagement team" to help veterans access agency services.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security renewed a $170,000 executive position created by Hobbs shortly before implementing a 5% workforce reduction. The agency cited the loss of federal grants supporting unemployment insurance and other cost shifts to the state as reasons for the layoffs. The timing of the position renewal relative to the staff termination notices drew attention to resource allocation decisions within the department.

House Speaker Montenegro and Senate President Petersen filed court arguments defending Arizona's abortion restrictions, including a 24-hour waiting period, mandatory in-person counseling, required ultrasounds, and a ban on phone-prescribed abortion medication. The legislators contended through their attorney Andrew Gould that these requirements do not violate Proposition 139, which was approved by Arizona voters in November and established a constitutional right to abortion. Gould argued that the restrictions satisfy the ballot measure's allowance for limitations justified by a compelling state interest achieved through the least restrictive means.

Governor Hobbs created a Workplace Heat Safety Task Force to establish standards for protecting workers during extreme heat conditions in Arizona. The task force, which includes representatives from the National Safety Council, is developing guidelines for businesses to follow as the state currently lacks specific state or federal regulations requiring heat protections for workers. This action was undertaken as the Trump Administration placed on hold federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposals for heat-specific worker safety guidelines that had been initiated under the Biden Administration.

Hobbs signed legislation expanding the definition of animal cruelty under Arizona law to include failing to provide medical care to animals. The governor held a ceremonial signing event at the Arizona Humane Society on Monday to mark the passage of the bill. The expanded statute broadens the scope of conduct that constitutes criminal animal cruelty in the state.

Governor Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1658 on July 7, 2025, which expands Arizona's animal cruelty laws to make it a crime to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly fail to provide medical attention to prevent unreasonable suffering to a domestic animal under a person's control. The legislation takes effect September 26, 2025, and addresses a gap in existing law that became apparent during a 2023 animal hoarding case in Chandler involving nearly five dozen dogs. The signing ceremony took place at the Arizona Humane Society and included Jerry, one of the dogs rescued from the case that prompted the legislation.

In 2023, Hobbs vetoed House Concurrent Resolution 2055, legislation that would have designated drug cartels as terrorist organizations under Arizona state law and directed the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to address the threat posed by cartels. Hobbs stated at the time that designating cartels as terrorist organizations was not a state function and not a real solution to the problems posed by drug trafficking and border violence. The measure subsequently returned to the Arizona legislature for consideration in the 2025 election cycle.

Sen. Hoffman secured colleague support during the legislative session to place SCR 1004 on the 2026 ballot, which would add a constitutional provision prohibiting state and local governments from imposing taxes or fees based on vehicle miles traveled. The measure addresses concerns about electric vehicle owners not contributing to road funding through the 18-cent-a-gallon gasoline tax that supports the Highway User Revenue Fund. Hoffman characterized the proposal as a "freedom to travel" issue and framed it as distinct from questions about whether electric vehicle owners should pay other taxes related to fossil fuel consumption.

Governor Hobbs signed the Arizona state budget that includes a 15% pay raise for wildland firefighters employed by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The budget also allocates $30 million for proactive wildfire protection, $4 million for a new training facility in Flagstaff, and $11.2 million to cover costs for communities battling wildfires. Hobbs stated that the raises would enable firefighters to better support their families while improving the state's ability to retain and recruit personnel.

State corrections director Ryan Thornell, appointed by Governor Hobbs in January 2023, announced that Arizona's prison system would increase health-care spending and medical staffing by more than one-third to comply with a federal judge's April injunction requiring vast improvements in inmate treatment. The budget amendment, which Thornell presented to a legislative committee, allocates $117 million in the coming fiscal year to expand staffing, services, and medications across medical, mental health, and other inmate care areas. The expenditure adds pressure to Arizona's state budget, which faces a projected $400 million shortfall.

Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1507, legislation written by Republican lawmakers Shawnna Bolick and Walt Blackman to establish Arizona's first Independent Correctional Oversight Office, which would monitor prison conditions and assess Department of Corrections compliance with federal and state rules and best practices. The original bill included $1.5 million in state funding, but Hobbs's office indicated the funding provision would face a veto, leading to its removal before the governor signed the legislation. The signed bill created the oversight office without state appropriations, though it permitted the agency to accept federal funds and private grants.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed a heat exposure standard on August 30 under President Joe Biden that would have required employers to provide water, break areas with cooling measures, and acclimatization protocols when temperatures reached 80 degrees, with mandatory 15-minute breaks every two hours at 90 degrees. The public comment period for the proposed rule ended in July 2025. The Trump administration's directive requiring the elimination of 10 existing regulations for each new one has made labor advocates pessimistic about the likelihood of the rule being finalized.

Hobbs signed legislation on Tuesday that restricts land ownership in Arizona by foreign adversaries, including China. The governor also signed a separate law establishing independent oversight of state prisons. These bills represent actions taken by Hobbs during a signing session focused on territorial security and correctional facility governance.

Hobbs has vetoed close to 400 bills during her third year in office across three legislative sessions, breaking the state veto record for a second time. Hobbs stated that breaking the veto record was not her objective but that she will continue to veto bills she determines to be detrimental to Arizona. Hobbs emphasized that she has signed a greater number of bills than she has vetoed during her tenure.

Governor Hobbs warned that President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, which the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate passed in July 2025, would remove over 360,000 people from Arizona's Medicaid rolls and eliminate thousands from food assistance programs. Hobbs stated that the state lacked the financial resources to offset the cuts, estimating the impact at billions of dollars beyond the state budget. She called on Arizona's congressional delegation to prevent the bill's passage in the U.S. House.

Governor Hobbs vetoed HB 2867, the Antisemitism in Education Act, on June 11, 2025, which would have allowed students and families to hold educators civilly liable for promoting antisemitic ideology in classrooms as defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Hobbs stated in her veto letter that the bill placed unacceptable personal liability on public school, community college, and university educators and staff, exposing them to costly lawsuits, and that existing avenues already allowed students and parents to report allegations of unprofessional conduct. The bill had passed both chambers of the Arizona legislature with mostly Republican support and some bipartisan opposition based on concerns about free speech protections, teacher liability, and the bill's limited application to public schools only.

Arizona House Republicans advanced a state budget proposal in June 2025. Governor Hobbs announced she would not sign the Republican budget plan. The specific details of the budget proposal and Hobbs's stated objections were not fully outlined in the available text.

Governor Hobbs vetoed HB 2867, the Antisemitism in Education Act, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. In her veto letter to House Speaker Steve Montenegro, Hobbs stated that the legislation imposed excessive liability on public school and college educators and staff, opening them to costly lawsuits, while exempting private school personnel. The bill had passed the House with bipartisan support and the Senate largely along party lines, and would have required reprimand for a first violation of teaching antisemitic content, suspension for a second violation, and termination for a third offense.

Governor Hobbs vetoed legislation that would have allowed students and their parents to sue teachers over allegations of antisemitism. In her veto message, Hobbs stated the bill would place unacceptable personal liability on public school teachers, college instructors, and university staff, exposing them to costly lawsuits, and that it unfairly targeted public school educators while exempting private school staff. Hobbs noted she had previously signed legislation expanding Holocaust education requirements in public schools and stated her continued commitment to fighting antisemitism.

Hobbs vetoed a bill that would have permitted students and their parents to file lawsuits against Arizona teachers over allegations of antisemitism. In her veto statement issued on Tuesday, Hobbs stated that while she considers antisemitism a serious societal problem, she declined to sign the legislation into law. The bill would have created a legal mechanism for civil action against teachers based on antisemitic conduct or speech in educational settings.

Governor Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Apache Junction Police Officer Gabriel Facio, who died after being shot during a traffic stop on June 3, 2025. The flags remained at half-staff until sunset on Monday, June 9, 2025. Officer Facio was a three-year veteran of the Apache Junction Police Department.

In April 2025, Hobbs signed legislation that eliminated the requirement for a public vote on Axon Enterprise's proposed development project in Scottsdale. The measure, characterized by Axon as loosening zoning rules, became a point of contention during negotiations between the company and the City of Scottsdale. Axon subsequently withdrew from negotiations with Scottsdale in June 2025, citing internal political obstacles despite the passage of the legislation that Hobbs had signed.

The Arizona House of Representatives passed HB 2867, the Antisemitism in Education Act, on June 5, 2025, sending the bill to Governor Hobbs' office for consideration. The bill would allow students and families to hold educators civilly liable for promoting antisemitic ideology in classrooms, with antisemitism defined according to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition. The measure now awaits action by the Governor's office, with education advocates requesting a veto while Republican legislators have urged approval.

Governor Hobbs signed HB 2175 in a private ceremony, legislation that requires a licensed medical director to review healthcare insurance denials based on medical necessity. The law specifies that the medical director must exercise independent medical judgment and may not rely solely on recommendations from other sources. The law took effect at the end of June 2025.

Hobbs vetoed a Republican-backed bill that would have banned the People's Republic of China from purchasing property in Arizona. The legislation was designed to address national security concerns related to foreign land acquisitions. In her veto message, Hobbs stated that while protecting infrastructure is important, the bill raised additional concerns that led to her decision to reject it.

Gov. Hobbs announced that her office would review the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who reportedly impersonated utility workers while conducting enforcement operations in a Tucson neighborhood. Hobbs stated that the alleged impersonation raised concerns but indicated uncertainty about whether existing Arizona impersonation laws apply to federal law enforcement officers or what state authority exists to address federal agents' conduct. The Attorney General's office similarly indicated it was examining the matter and the legal questions it presented.

Governor Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1109, legislation that would have prohibited the People's Republic of China from purchasing property in Arizona. In her veto message, Hobbs stated that while protecting infrastructure is important, the bill was ineffective at counter-espionage and lacked clear implementation criteria, creating potential for arbitrary enforcement. The bill had been sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp and was intended to address national security concerns, including a reported effort by China to lease property near Luke Air Force Base in Glendale.

Senator Mark Finchem introduced Senate Bill 1066, which would prohibit foreign entities deemed "hostile to the United States" from purchasing land in Arizona without legislative approval. The measure, approved by the Senate Committee on Federalism on a party-line vote, does not define which entities qualify as hostile beyond stating that a legislative majority would make such determinations. Finchem cited the Chinese Communist Party as a specific concern and referenced an unspecified incident involving property acquisition in Arizona, though the bill's broad language also raised concerns from the Council on American-Islamic Relations of Arizona.

Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1711, legislation that passed the Arizona Legislature with bipartisan support to create a study committee examining obesity treatment coverage under Medicaid. The committee was directed to investigate the cost, potential savings, effectiveness, health outcomes, and value of providing such coverage to eligible beneficiaries. The bill represents a potential expansion of Medicaid services in Arizona through the establishment of a formal review process for obesity treatment options.

Governor Hobbs attended the Arizona Department of Public Safety graduation ceremony for Class 37 on May 29, 2025, where she delivered remarks to approximately 1,200 attendees. The ceremony marked the largest trooper graduating class in recent history, with 54 cadets completing training, consisting of 30 new recruits and 24 lateral transfers from other agencies. The graduation represents an increase from previous classes of approximately 30 graduates and reflects departmental efforts to address staffing shortages across the state.

Governor Katie Hobbs appointed Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court, making her the first Afro-Latina to serve on the state's highest court. Cruz, a Yuma native with prior judicial experience on the Cocopah Tribal Court, Yuma County Superior Court, and Arizona Court of Appeals, was officially sworn in following the court's convening to hear oral arguments in her home community. The appointment represents the sixth woman ever appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court.

Governor Hobbs signed legislation that will take effect in 2026 restricting the use of images and characters associated with appeal to minors in marijuana marketing and promotion by state-regulated cannabis retailers. The law was approved by a wide margin in the Arizona legislature and establishes restrictions comparable to existing regulations on tobacco product advertising. The measure prohibits the use of characters and imagery, including those traditionally associated with youth appeal, in the marketing of marijuana products by licensed establishments.

Governor Hobbs signed legislation that establishes new restrictions on marijuana advertising in Arizona, prohibiting the use of images or likenesses of toys, cartoons, animated characters, and Santa Claus in promotional materials for cannabis products. The law, which passed with wide support, was designed to prevent marketing of marijuana to individuals under 21 years of age. The restrictions also ban marijuana advertisements at public airports, on public buses and trains, at transit shelters, and include limitations on digital advertising platforms.

Governor Hobbs signed legislation last year that would revamp how care is provided in memory care facilities within assisted-living communities. The state has been developing Memory Care Services Rules to implement the requirements of this law. A public comment period was scheduled to conclude before a June 3 vote on the proposed rules.

Hobbs issued an executive order directing the Industrial Commission of Arizona's Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health to create a workplace heat safety task force. Hobbs appointed 18 members to the task force representing industries including roofing, construction, and firefighting. The task force was established to develop new guidelines protecting Arizona workers from extreme heat exposure.

Hobbs signed legislation requiring pornography websites to verify that viewers are over 18 years old through age identification checks. The bill had faced free speech concerns from opponents. The measure became law despite surprise from some observers regarding Hobbs's decision to sign it.

Hobbs vetoed the Arizona ICE Act, legislation that would have required state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. The bill was introduced by state Senator Warren Petersen and would have established mandatory collaboration protocols between Arizona law enforcement agencies and ICE. The veto prevented the enactment of this enforcement coordination requirement.

Governor Hobbs issued an executive order on May 23, 2025, establishing a task force to develop statewide heat-safety standards for workers in Arizona. The task force was directed to produce a proposal by the end of the year outlining specific requirements for employer protections including shade, water, rest periods, worker training, and acclimatization procedures. Currently, Arizona employers are bound only by a general duty to provide safe workplaces without specific heat-safety requirements, which Hobbs's action seeks to address through measurable and enforceable standards.

Hobbs visited Liberty Head Start at Liberty Elementary School in Tucson on Wednesday to highlight the program's importance to Arizona's early learning infrastructure. During the visit, Hobbs met with parents and staff from Child-Parent Centers, which administers Head Start and related programs throughout Southeast Arizona, and discussed the potential consequences of federal funding cuts to the program. Hobbs stated that Head Start serves as a critical educational opportunity in rural and underserved communities across the state and that losing federal funding would create a substantial gap in early learning services that the state lacks capacity to replace.

Governor Hobbs criticized Republican legislative leaders for inaction on rural groundwater legislation at a University of Arizona water conference in May 2025, stating they were "stonewalling" on the issue and that the current Republican-backed bill represented a step backward compared to previous year proposals. Hobbs indicated that additional state-created Active Management Areas similar to the one she established in the Willcox Basin in December 2024 could follow if legislative agreement on groundwater solutions was not reached. Republican Senator Tim Dunn of Yuma, a co-sponsor of the Republican rural groundwater bill, attributed the lack of progress to disagreement stemming from Hobbs's unilateral action to establish the Willcox Basin Active Management Area.

Hobbs announced the creation of a 19-member committee tasked with developing artificial intelligence policy guidelines for state government. The committee comprises technology experts, legal professionals, and local government representatives. The group is charged with developing a framework for artificial intelligence adoption across state agencies, recommending guidelines for that adoption, and strengthening AI literacy, with an initial report expected at a future date.

Hobbs stated that a proposal to include a constitutional amendment guaranteeing school choice and taxpayer-funded vouchers as part of a teacher pay raise package was unacceptable, and indicated she would not sign legislation to implement voucher provisions. As a result of Hobbs' position, efforts to schedule a special election on the teacher pay raise plan collapsed, as statutory changes required to implement the package can only be presented to voters at regularly scheduled elections according to Arizona Constitution provisions. The delay means that if lawmakers proceed with the package, voters would not see it until November 2026, pushing any resulting additional funding into classrooms until 2027 at the earliest.

In her executive budget proposal, Hobbs called for a 15% raise for state wildland firefighter positions, citing the demanding nature of the work which often involves 14 to 16-hour days and can extend for weeks or months depending on fire duration. The proposal also included $30 million in general fund allocation for wildfire suppression to support ongoing firefighting efforts and community safety. House Speaker Steve Montenegro indicated that a pay raise for Department of Forestry and Fire Management personnel aligns with House Republican budget priorities and would require minimal state expenditure.

On May 7, Hobbs signed HB2880 into law, legislation that prohibits establishing or occupying an encampment on a university or community college campus and mandates procedures institutions must follow if an encampment occurs. The law criminalizes encampments as trespass on higher education campuses. University of Arizona faculty and students expressed differing assessments of the law's impact on campus protest activities.

Governor Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1622, legislation that classifies synthetic opioids known as nitazenes as narcotics under Arizona law. The measure increases criminal penalties for the sale of these substances by subjecting violations to more serious felony charges. The bill was authored by a lawmaker and championed by a mother whose teenage son died from a fentanyl overdose.

Governor Hobbs signed House Bill 2207, which amends Proposition 313 to exempt individuals under 18 years old convicted of child sex trafficking crimes from mandatory life sentences. The amendment addresses a constitutional concern regarding excessive punishment under the Eighth Amendment by allowing judicial discretion in sentencing for minor trafficking victims. Advocates have indicated that the law does not extend protections to individuals aged 18 and older who were trafficking victims during their youth.

Arizona Public Service Company secured approval of two major pieces of legislation during the 2025 state legislative session that were signed into law by Governor Hobbs. The bills represent significant financial victories for the state's largest electricity provider following years of engagement with state lawmakers, local officials, and community organizations. Hobbs signed the legislation after receiving substantial financial support from Pinnacle West Capital Corp., APS's parent company, which donated at least $350,000 to funds supporting her inaugural and legal expenses.

Governor Hobbs declared a State of Emergency in Apache County in response to the Greer Fire, which burned over 20,000 acres in eastern Arizona starting May 13, 2025. She directed $200,000 from the Governor's Emergency Fund to the Arizona Division of Emergency Management Director to support the state's response efforts and secured additional fire management assistance grant funding from FEMA. Hobbs traveled to Springerville to receive briefings from fire officials and tour the burn site while the wildfire was being actively fought by crews.

Gov. Katie Hobbs has vetoed 138 bills since the Arizona Legislature convened in January 2025, approaching a new record for vetoes in a single year. The Democratic governor stated she would continue vetoing legislation she characterized as removing freedoms or addressing non-existent problems, attributing the high number of vetoes to bills approved by the Republican-led Legislature. Hobbs indicated that bills in the pipeline related to election law changes, state income tax rate cuts, and groundwater regulation modifications were likely to receive her veto.

Governor Hobbs signed legislation that took effect in May 2025 requiring Arizona cities and counties to allow construction activities to begin at 5 a.m. on weekdays between May 1 and October 15, with concrete pouring permitted an hour earlier. The law establishes statewide consistency in construction start times, as approximately half of Arizona cities previously had varying early start policies. Local governments retain authority to set their own Sunday construction schedules under the measure.

Governor Hobbs signed the "Arizona End Organ Harvesting Act" into law in May 2025. The legislation, sponsored by State Representative Leo Biasiucci, prohibits insurance companies from covering transplant care if the organ originated from China. The bill was introduced in response to concerns about forced organ harvesting practices and organ trafficking allegations in China.

Governor Hobbs signed legislation that limits the liability of power companies in wildfire cases where the utilities followed required mitigation procedures and did not cause the fire. The bill was signed during a week in which the Arizona Corporation Commission held a Wildfire Mitigation Town Hall in Payson to discuss utility industry efforts in wildfire prevention. Under the new law, utility companies remain subject to lawsuits if they are found to have been negligent, but gain protection when they have complied with established safety protocols.

Hobbs signed SB1182, legislation that prohibits city, town, and county governments from restricting early morning construction work between May 1 and October 15. The law permits construction activities from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, with concrete pouring allowed at least one hour before scheduled work begins. The bill took effect immediately upon Hobbs's signature.

Hobbs signed legislation on Monday designed to mitigate cryptocurrency fraud losses at Bitcoin ATMs following a sharp rise in scams across Arizona. The bill requires Bitcoin ATM operators to provide customers with receipts displaying the digital wallet address where funds are sent and establishes transaction limits of $2,000 per day for new customers and $10,500 for existing customers. The legislation was enacted after Scottsdale police reported that over $5 million was stolen from residents through various cryptocurrency scams in a five-month period in 2025.

Arizona legislative leaders filed an appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals seeking to overturn a federal judge's January ruling that they lack legal standing to challenge the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tath Kukveni — Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, which was designated by former President Joe Biden in August 2023. The legislators argue that Judge Stephen McNamee erred in his decision and contend that federal law permits those harmed by the monument designation, including the state legislature due to potential reductions in tax revenues from mining restrictions, to pursue legal action. Neither Governor Hobbs nor Attorney General Mayes have sought to challenge the monument's designation.

Hobbs signed House Bill 2281 into law, legislation known as "Emily's Law" that establishes the "turquoise alert system" for missing Indigenous persons, modeled after the Amber Alert framework. The signing followed a Senate committee hearing examining the circumstances surrounding 14-year-old Emily Pike's murder after she ran away from a Mesa group home in January 2025. The law represents a legislative response to systemic failures identified during the investigation into Pike's death and the agencies involved in her case.

Governor Hobbs declared a State of Emergency in Apache County in response to the Greer Fire, which burned 20,308 acres in eastern Arizona starting May 13, 2025. Hobbs directed $200,000 from the Governor's Emergency Fund to the Arizona Division of Emergency Management Director to support the state's response and traveled to Springerville to receive briefings from fire officials and tour the burn site. The state also secured fire management assistance grant funding from FEMA to support first responders battling the wind-driven wildfire.

Gov. Hobbs signed House Bill 2581 into law on May 13, 2025, requiring all law enforcement agencies in Arizona, including the Phoenix Police Department, to use the Track-Kit system for sexual assault evidence kit tracking. The statewide system allows survivors to track the location and testing status of their rape kits through a barcode-based portal accessible day and night. Phoenix Police had previously been the only agency in the state not using Track-Kit despite its availability at no cost, though the department activated its own tracking function in April and indicated it would use both systems in compliance with the law, which takes effect 90 days after the legislative session concludes.

Hobbs signed legislation that increases penalties for group assaults. The law was enacted following the fatal beating of Preston Lord, a Queen Creek teenager, in 2023. The attack was committed by a group of teenagers known as the "Gilbert Goons" who had conducted similar assaults on other individuals.

Governor Hobbs vetoed three virtual currency bills in May 2025 that would have expanded Arizona's role in the cryptocurrency industry. Hobbs signed House Bill 2749, sponsored by Representative Jeff Weninger, which establishes a state fund for unclaimed digital assets and requires the state to hold onto unclaimed digital currency for three years before liquidating it. The signed legislation took effect on May 12, 2025.

Hobbs vetoed legislation that would have required hospitals to inquire about patients' immigration status. The veto was among multiple rejections issued by Hobbs in May 2025, bringing her total vetoes for the year to 138. This veto count placed Hobbs five rejections short of the record she established in 2023.

Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1585 in late April 2025, which modifies the definition of a dangerous crime against children to include acts committed against persons posing as minors under age 15, such as undercover law enforcement officers. The law was drafted in response to sting operations conducted in Pinal County where suspects were arrested for attempting to meet individuals they believed were minors, but faced limited penalties because no actual victims existed. Under the new law, individuals convicted of felonies under these circumstances face serious prison sentences rather than probation.

Hobbs vetoed House Bill 2803 on May 12, 2025, legislation that would have required Arizona hotels to post signs at all entrances and exits indicating that homeless guests are being housed on the premises. The bill would have mandated specific language informing guests of the practice and offering full refunds to those who objected, and passed both chambers of the legislature along party lines. Hobbs had previously stated that any bill penalizing the homeless would receive a veto.

Hobbs vetoed a bill sponsored by Sen. Wendy Rogers that would have required hospitals accepting Medicaid to inquire about patients' immigration status, stating that undocumented immigrants generally do not qualify for Medicaid and that immigration enforcement should remain a federal responsibility rather than fall to healthcare professionals. The vetoed measure specified that patients' answers would not result in loss of medical care and would not require hospitals to contact immigration authorities, with the stated purpose of informing state cost assessments. This veto was one of 48 bills rejected by Hobbs during a two-day period, bringing her total vetoes for the legislative session to 138.

Hobbs signed House Bill 2611, known as Preston's Law, which establishes enhanced penalties for group attacks also referred to as swarming. The legislation increases the severity of aggravated assault charges to class four felonies when two or more accomplices are involved, resulting in longer prison sentences. The law was enacted following the death of East Valley teenager Preston Lord, who was fatally injured in a group assault outside a Halloween party in Queen Creek.

Attorney General Kris Mayes is leading a criminal investigation into a $2.5 billion Medicaid fraud scheme involving behavioral health providers and sober living homes that exploited the American Indian Health Program from 2019 to 2023. The investigation has resulted in more than 100 indictments and recovery of $125 million, approximately 5 percent of the estimated fraudulent payments. Mayes stated that her office is working to retrieve at least hundreds of millions in additional funds, though she acknowledged challenges in asset recovery due to fraudsters' spending and asset concealment practices.

Governor Hobbs signed legislation that allows Arizona drivers to voluntarily disclose communication disabilities through their vehicle registration or identification documents. The bill enables law enforcement officers to access this information during traffic stops. The legislation originated from an Arizona family seeking to enhance safety for their son during interactions with police.

Hobbs vetoed House Bill 2824, legislation that would have authorized county sheriffs to arrest individuals who failed to comply with legislative subpoenas issued by the Arizona Legislature. The bill would have expanded enforcement mechanisms for legislative subpoenas beyond the existing contempt power available to the House and Senate. Hobbs's veto prevented the measure from becoming law.

Hobbs signed legislation that establishes a state crime for setting up protest encampments on college and university campuses in Arizona. The bill received bipartisan support in the legislature. The law grants campus administrators authority to direct individuals involved in encampments to leave institutional property.

House Bill 2281, which establishes a statewide alert system for missing Indigenous peoples, was unanimously passed by the Arizona Legislature on May 7, 2025, with a 57-0 vote in the State House of Representatives. The bill awaits signature by Governor Hobbs. The Turquoise Alert system would create a mechanism for coordinating alerts regarding missing Indigenous persons across Arizona.

House Bill 2611, known as "Preston's Law," was sent to Gov. Hobbs for signature in May 2025. The legislation would enhance penalties for aggravated assault cases involving group attacks, including elevating charges to class four felonies when two or more assailants participate in an attack. Hobbs' office indicated she would take action on the bill within five days as required by state law.

Hobbs signed House Bill 2074, which expands Arizona's School Safety Program by allowing retired law enforcement officers who left in good standing to serve as school resource officers. The legislation addresses a shortage of available officers by broadening the eligible candidate pool for schools to hire. The bill also requires school districts to train all hired officers on identifying and appropriately interacting with students who have disabilities, and permits schools unable to fill officer positions to use allocated safety funds for training, technology, or infrastructure improvements instead.

Hobbs signed House Bill 2074, legislation that expands the state's School Safety Program by allowing retired police officers to serve as school resource officers in Arizona schools. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Matt Gress, was approved by the Legislature in April 2025. The measure also provides schools with increased flexibility in how they allocate school safety grants distributed by the Arizona Department of Education.

Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1612, legislation that would have required companies seeking state contracts or grants to disclose campaign contributions and other items of value. The bill was introduced in response to allegations that Hobbs's administration had favored a political donor in awarding state contracts. The veto prevented the disclosure requirement from becoming law.

Governor Hobbs signed legislation on May 9, 2025, sponsored by Representative Alma Hernandez that makes setting up encampments at Arizona state universities a state crime punishable by arrest for trespass. The law requires university administrators to order protesters to immediately dismantle encampments and vacate campus. Hernandez introduced the measure following pro-Palestinian protests at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University during the previous year.

Arizona lawmakers passed House Bill 2112 in May 2025, legislation that would require commercial pornography websites to implement age verification procedures before granting access to users. The bill permits parents to pursue civil legal action against adult websites that fail to verify age and allow minors to access explicit content, while requiring that any age verification systems not store or share personal information. Governor Katie Hobbs had vetoed a similar version of the bill in 2024, citing conflicts with established case law.

Hobbs vetoed a bill sponsored by House Majority Leader Michael Carbone that would have reduced unemployment benefits from up to 24 weeks to as little as 12 weeks when the state jobless rate falls below 5 percent. The measure would have required the unemployment rate to reach 8 percent for recipients to receive the full 26 weeks of benefits currently available under Arizona law. Hobbs also vetoed a separate bill that would have imposed additional requirements on recipients of food stamp assistance.

Governor Hobbs expressed concern over the expiration of Arizona's affordable housing tax credit program, which was established in 2021 and is modeled after the federal low-income housing tax credit program. Hobbs indicated a desire to extend the tax credit before its scheduled expiration date. The statement was made at a conference for Arizona affordable housing and homeless services organizations in May 2025.

The Arizona Legislature passed House Bill 2700, which requires Arizona high school curricula to teach that the body of water between Florida and the Yucatan Peninsula be called the "Gulf of America" rather than the "Gulf of Mexico." The bill was proposed by Casa Grande Republican Representative Theresa Martinez following President Donald Trump's declaration renaming the body of water and was approved by the Republican-controlled legislature along party lines. The measure now awaits action by Democratic Governor Hobbs.

Arizona lawmakers approved House Bill 2803 on May 6, 2025, requiring hotels and motels in the state to post warning signs at entrances and exits if they provide rooms for homeless guests. The signs, printed in red, must inform guests to keep hotel doors locked, safely store belongings, and report health or safety concerns to local law enforcement, with similar notices required on booking websites and at check-in. Guests who object to the requirement are entitled to a full refund.

The Arizona House of Representatives voted 32-25 on Monday to advance legislation sponsored by Senator Wendy Rogers that would require hospitals accepting Medicaid payments to ask patients about their citizenship and legal status. The bill specifies that patient responses would not affect their ability to receive care and would not be reported to immigration authorities, with stated intent to track uncompensated care costs. The legislation was sent to Governor Hobbs for consideration following the House vote.

Governor Hobbs approved a plan to close the Arizona State Prison-Marana, a 500-bed minimum security facility operated by Management and Training Corp., at the end of 2023 based on cost savings and reduced bed capacity needs due to declining state prison population. The state subsequently sold the closed facility to MTC for $15 million under a deal signed on April 30, 2025, with no operational restrictions placed on the company's future use of the property. The sale followed the state House's rejection of a proposal to lease the facility to the federal government for $1 annually to house immigration detainees.

Hobbs vetoed legislation introduced by Senator David Farnsworth that would have removed state funding from Arizona universities and community colleges offering diversity, equity, and inclusion courses. The veto was issued as part of a series of rejections on late Friday. Hobbs also vetoed 22 additional proposals in the same action.

Hobbs vetoed legislation passed by the Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature that would have removed state funding from universities and community colleges offering courses related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The bill, written by Mesa Republican Sen. David Farnsworth, would have defunded any school containing courses addressing topics including whiteness, institutional racism, unconscious bias, gender identity, social justice, and reparations. In her veto message, Hobbs stated that state universities and community colleges play a vital role in developing Arizona's workforce and economy.

Governor Hobbs signed legislation that amends state law for the regulation and licensing of sober living homes in Arizona, placing new demands on the Arizona Department of Health Services. The bill was sponsored by three Republican lawmakers and was expected to take effect in the fall. The legislation followed a reported Medicaid fraud scheme targeting Native Americans seeking drug and alcohol treatment that state officials had announced two years prior.

Governor Hobbs announced on Friday that she would not seek Senate confirmation for her choices to lead state agencies, a decision that prompted legal conflict with the Legislature. Hobbs stated that she was ending the confirmation process, citing her position regarding Jake Hoffman, the Queen Creek Republican who leads the Senate. The action represented a continuation of her previous withdrawal of agency head nominations from Senate consideration.

Arizona lawmakers voted 32-27 along party lines in the House to approve HB 2438, which repeals existing state law allowing transgender individuals who have undergone sexual reassignment surgery to request amended birth certificates from the state health department. The bill, authored by Rep. Rachel Keshel, would limit birth certificate amendments to cases where the original certificate contained a factual error at the time of recordation, effectively preventing transgender Arizonans from changing their birth certificates to reflect their gender identity. The measure had already passed the Republican-led Senate and was sent forward for further consideration.

Hobbs called for increased resources to address veteran homelessness in Arizona with a goal of resolution within ten years. The governor's proposed state budget included $5 million in funding for the Homes for Heroes program, which would provide housing solutions for veterans including rental assistance, counseling, and other social services. The proposal was released as part of the governor's broader budget recommendations for the fiscal year.

Hobbs signed House Bill 2945 on Thursday afternoon, legislation that allocates $122 million to fully fund the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities and resolve a budget deficit affecting services to approximately 60,000 people with disabilities. The bill passed the Senate with overwhelming support after the House approved identical language the previous day and was the product of bipartisan negotiations between the Democratic governor and the Republican-controlled legislature. Hobbs had previously withheld signatures on other legislation until the disability program funding issue was resolved, a moratorium she announced would be lifted following this signing.

Hobbs signed a bipartisan compromise bill to provide emergency funding to an Arizona disability support program following a monthslong legislative stalemate. The measure averted a funding cliff that would have affected program operations. The specific bill designation and funding amount were not detailed in the available text.

Hobbs issued a statement regarding the Arizona House of Representatives' passage of House Bill 2945, which allocates approximately $122 million to fund the state's Division of Developmental Disabilities program and addresses a budget shortfall affecting nearly 60,000 Arizonans. Hobbs had previously threatened to veto bills until the disability services program received adequate funding. Hobbs characterized the measure's passage as an important first step and called on the Senate to send the negotiated bill to her desk.

Hobbs signed legislation expanding the Arizona Teachers Academy scholarship program to include students at Maricopa County Community Colleges who pursue teacher education degrees. The program, originally established in 2018, provides scholarships to students who commit to teaching in Arizona public schools following graduation. The bill responds to a 2021 law that authorized community colleges to offer four-year bachelor's degree programs.

Hobbs signed House Bill 2945 on Thursday afternoon, legislation that allocates $122 million to fully fund the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities and address a budget deficit in the department serving approximately 60,000 people with disabilities. The bill passed the Senate with overwhelming support a day after House passage and includes provisions that prevent previously proposed 50 percent cuts to the Personal Plus Care Grant program and establish guardrails against future legislative funding actions on the program. Hobbs had previously withheld her signature on other legislation until the disability program funding issue was resolved.

Hobbs signed legislation expanding oversight of sober living homes to address Medicaid fraud in the state. The bill was enacted following reports that operators of fraudulent sober living facilities, particularly those targeting Native Americans, had charged the state for recovery services that were never provided, contributing to an estimated $2.8 billion in state Medicaid fraud losses in recent years. The measure was signed into law despite objections from an individual who had initially raised the issue at the state Capitol.

Hobbs signed a $122 million bipartisan disability funding package on April 25, 2025, following legislative approval by both chambers. The measure provides funding for services to tens of thousands of disabled Arizonans, including payments to parents who serve as caregivers for their disabled children. The legislation prevented scheduled funding exhaustion that would have interrupted services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Hobbs signed an executive order establishing the Reentry 2030 initiative, a national prison rehabilitation program designed to expand job training opportunities for incarcerated individuals in Arizona's correctional system. The initiative involves coordination between the U.S. Department of Justice, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), and other state agencies. The program aims to reduce recidivism by preparing inmates for employment upon release from prison.

Governor Hobbs announced Arizona's Reentry 2030 program on Tuesday, which will utilize federal funds to expand job training for incarcerated individuals with the stated goals of reducing recidivism and decreasing violence within correctional facilities. Hobbs noted that approximately 95 percent of Arizona's incarcerated population is eventually released, totaling about 17,000 individuals annually, yet fewer than half secure employment within a year of release. The program announcement occurred amid ongoing federal oversight of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry and a legislative probe into conditions at state prison facilities.

Governor Hobbs announced a bill signing moratorium and stated she would veto legislation sent to her desk unless Republican legislative leaders provided a bipartisan solution for funding developmental disability care services before May. The moratorium resulted in reduced legislative activity at the Arizona Capitol as lawmakers responded to the governor's conditions. Hobbs tied the resumption of bill signings to the passage of what she characterized as necessary funding for the state's developmental disabilities programs.

The Arizona legislature approved HB 2824, which expands subpoena authority to allow any lawmaker chairing a legislative committee to issue subpoenas and direct sheriff's deputies to arrest individuals who refuse to testify or produce documents. The bill also establishes that all testimony before legislative panels shall be presumed sworn, creating the potential for perjury charges against those accused of providing false statements. Governor Hobbs has not yet indicated whether she will sign the measure.

Governor Hobbs vetoed legislation that would have required Arizona county sheriffs to honor Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer requests to hold individuals arrested on state crimes until federal authorities could assume custody. Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, speaking on behalf of the Arizona Sheriffs' Association, stated at a news conference that he disagreed with Hobbs' veto decision and expressed the position that state law should mandate such cooperation between local and federal officials. Rhodes noted that while sheriffs currently have the authority to comply with ICE detainers and he believed a majority do so, some county sheriffs including Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos have declined to participate in such arrangements.

Arizona Governor Hobbs signed legislation banning cellphones in schools during classroom instruction while permitting their use for emergency purposes. The bill represented a policy shift from Hobbs's veto of similar legislation the previous year. Superintendent of Education Horne stated the signed measure was substantially similar to the previously vetoed bill and commended its enactment into law.

Governor Hobbs signed legislation in April 2025 that authorized Axon Enterprise to proceed with development of a new headquarters complex in Scottsdale, bypassing local zoning and planning requirements that had previously blocked the project. The bill, which narrowly passed the state legislature, permits the company to construct approximately two thousand apartments along with restaurants and a hotel near Loop 101 and Hayden Road. Hobbs stated the decision aligned with her focus on attracting businesses that create jobs, despite opposition from Scottsdale city officials and local residents who collected over 27,000 petition signatures in an unsuccessful effort to place the issue on a ballot.

Governor Hobbs vetoed legislation designed to promote greater cooperation between local law enforcement officials and federal immigration agents. The veto was among 33 measures rejected by Hobbs in a series of actions on Friday, bringing her veto total for the year to 52. The rejected bill would have created mechanisms for increased coordination between Arizona's local police departments and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Governor Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1164, also called the Arizona ICE Act, on April 19, 2025. The Republican-backed legislation would have prevented state agencies and local governments from adopting policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The veto blocked the measure from becoming law.

Governor Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1543 into law on April 18, 2025, which prevents a scheduled 2026 referendum on a proposed Axon development in Scottsdale that includes a corporate headquarters, hotel, and approximately 2,000 apartment units. The legislation blocks a citizen-initiated ballot measure that had gathered sufficient signatures to allow Scottsdale residents to vote on the project. Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky had requested Hobbs veto the bill, arguing it preempted local authority and removed development decisions from residents and their elected representatives.

Governor Hobbs signed legislation establishing a statewide school cellphone ban in Arizona. The law requires students to turn off their cell phones upon entering the classroom and keep them off during instructional time. The action followed a survey of nearly 1,000 teachers nationwide, including those in Arizona, indicating that stricter phone policies improved student engagement and safety.

Governor Hobbs announced on April 18, 2025, that she would veto any new bills sent to her by state lawmakers until she received a measure containing $122 million in funding for Arizona's developmental disability services programs through the end of the fiscal year on June 30. House and Senate Republicans had prepared a funding measure for a planned Thursday vote, but Hobbs declared it a "non-starter" due to restrictions and conditions she found unacceptable. Hobbs stated the funding needed to be provided in a form she found acceptable to prevent the existing disability services funding from depleting at month's end.

On April 17, 2025, Governor Hobbs announced she would not sign any new bills until the Arizona legislature passed protections and funding for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), which faced a $122 million budget shortfall expected to deplete funds by month's end. Hobbs stated that any bill not already on her desk would be vetoed, though her office indicated she would act on bills already received in the coming days. Hobbs called on the legislature to pass a bipartisan supplemental funding bill for the DDD, citing the needs of approximately 60,000 Arizonans with developmental disabilities who depend on the program's services.

Hobbs confirmed awareness of visa revocations affecting over 100 international students at Arizona State University resulting from Trump administration policy. The governor stated that her office connects affected students to federal resources when issues are reported. Hobbs did not specify the number of cases her office was assisting or provide details on the outcomes of those efforts.

Hobbs vetoed seven water-related bills sponsored by Rep. Gail Griffin during the 2025 legislative session. The bills addressed multiple water policy changes in Arizona. Hobbs stated the vetoes were in response to what she characterized as the legislature's inaction on water security matters.

Hobbs vetoed House Bill 2165, legislation that would have prohibited food stamp recipients from using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to purchase sodas. In her veto message, Hobbs stated that while she recognized the bill's stated health objectives, the measure would require federal approval and would restrict purchasing options for SNAP participants. Hobbs suggested that lawmakers instead focus on expanding opportunities for participants to purchase fresh foods rather than legally limiting eligible purchases.

The Arizona legislature passed Senate Bill 1543, which would reclassify large city rezoning decisions as administrative actions exempt from citizen referendums, thereby blocking a scheduled 2026 voter referendum on a proposed Axon headquarters and housing development in Scottsdale. Hobbs received the bill for signature or veto consideration following its passage through the state House. The bill's passage followed Axon's statement that the company would relocate if required to wait for the 2026 ballot measure.

Hobbs vetoed House Bill 2165, which would have restricted food stamp recipients from purchasing sodas with their benefits. In her veto message, Hobbs acknowledged the bill's stated intent to improve health outcomes but determined the rationale was insufficient to justify the restriction. The veto prevented Arizona from implementing the proposed limitation on food stamp expenditures.

Governor Hobbs signed House Bill 2164 into law in April 2025, establishing a ban on ultra-processed foods in Arizona schools beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. The legislation prohibits specific ingredients including potassium bromate, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, and various artificial dyes (yellow 5 and 6, blue 1 and 2, red 3 and 40, and green 3) from school meals. The bill was sponsored by Republican Representative Leo Biasiucci and received support from Arizona school administrators and lawmakers who cited scientific studies indicating these ingredients pose health risks to children.

Hobbs signed legislation that restricts schools from selling students ultraprocessed foods containing specified ingredients including red dye 40, addressing concerns about potential health effects of these additives. The bill was introduced by Republican lawmakers and reflects similar federal initiatives. Hobbs also signed a separate bill regulating when students may use their phones while on school campuses.

Governor Hobbs signed House Bill 2484, legislation that restricts cellphone usage in Arizona public schools while allowing devices for educational purposes, emergencies, and documented medical needs. The law prohibits students from using personal phones or school-provided devices for social media, internet access, texting, or calling during school hours. The signing occurred months after Arizona State Superintendent of Public Schools Tom Horne had announced a plan to ban cellphones in classrooms, and follows Hobbs's veto of similar cellphone restriction legislation the previous year.

Republican lawmakers in the Arizona legislature passed Senate Bill 1164 and advanced House Bill 2099, measures that prohibit state and local governments from adopting policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities and direct enforcement of federal immigration laws by local law enforcement. Senate Bill 1164 received final approval on a party-line vote and was sent to Governor Hobbs, while House Bill 2099 awaited a final House vote. The bills also authorize the state attorney general to investigate complaints against local governments that do not comply with immigration enforcement cooperation, with possible penalties including the loss of state-shared revenues.

Hobbs called on the federal government to release federal funding for border security and public safety grants that the administration had paused. The governor made the statement following a visit by top federal immigration officials to Arizona to promote the Trump administration's deportation efforts. According to the Hobbs administration, tens of millions of dollars in federal funding supporting state-level border security had been withheld.

The Arizona House and Senate gave final approval to House Bill 2164, which eliminates certain artificial dyes and chemicals from foods served and sold at public schools, sending the measure to Governor Hobbs for consideration. The Senate also unanimously approved House Bill 2165, which restricts the use of food stamps to purchase sodas. Both votes were scheduled to coincide with a visit by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has promoted similar measures nationally as part of his Make America Healthy Again agenda.

Hobbs signed legislation that expands and more clearly defines mandatory reporters of child abuse and suspected abuse of minors in school settings. The bill, sponsored by Republican Senator Carine Werner, requires reporting suspected abuse to law enforcement rather than allowing reports to remain within school administration or to resource officers. The legislation establishes clearer protocols for reporting when the suspected abuser is employed by the school.

Governor Hobbs sought Republican support for HB2816, legislation introduced by Democrats in February 2025 to increase funding for the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities, which faced a projected $122 million shortfall. Hobbs characterized the supplemental funding request as a routine budgeting measure resulting from higher-than-projected caseloads. The bill remained pending as of April 2025, with Republican lawmakers attributing the funding gap to state budget management.

Governor Hobbs joined the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management on March 31, 2025, to present the 2025 seasonal fire outlook and emphasize public fire prevention efforts as the state faces increasing wildfire risk. Hobbs included in her 2026 executive budget proposal a 15% pay increase for state wildland firefighters and an additional $30 million for the DFFM wildfire suppression budget. The department has treated vegetation to mitigate fire risk on over 23,000 acres since July and aims to expand that effort to 30,000 acres.

Hobbs and Republican lawmakers expressed confidence in reaching a deal to ask voters to renew Proposition 123, a measure that provides supplemental funding for school expenses. Democratic lawmakers in the Arizona Senate attempted an unsuccessful procedural vote on a bill to renew Proposition 123, indicating disagreement within the Democratic caucus regarding the timing of legislative action on the measure. The renewal of Proposition 123 required voter approval to continue its education funding provisions.

Hobbs stated that President Trump's tariffs scheduled to take effect on Wednesday constitute taxes that will be passed along to consumers. She characterized the tariffs as creating chaos without achieving the cost reduction that Trump campaigned on. Hobbs's comments came as the White House estimated the tariffs would raise approximately $6 trillion over the next decade.

Arizona House Bill 2281 passed with unanimous support and advanced to the Senate for final review before proceeding to the governor's office. The legislation would establish a missing Indigenous or endangered person alert system modeled on existing Amber and Silver alert frameworks to address cases involving Native persons or non-Native endangered individuals across Arizona's 22 federally recognized tribal nations. According to 2022 data, Arizona ranks third nationally in the number of missing Indigenous person cases.

Hobbs announced cost-saving measures for a state Medicaid program serving disabled Arizonans that faced potential insolvency in the coming months. The specific measures outlined by Hobbs were designed to address the program's financial crisis. The announcement came after families and advocates gathered at the Arizona Capitol in February 2025 to call for emergency funding for the disability services program.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs displayed tribal flags representing Arizona's 22 federally recognized Native American tribes in the rotunda of the ninth floor of the state Capitol after they were removed from the Carl T. Hayden Medical Center in Phoenix in compliance with new Veterans Affairs flag policy. The new VA flag guidance, issued in February 2025, restricted flags displayed at VA facilities to those representing the United States and the U.S. military, with limited exceptions for sovereign nation flags during dignitary visits or special ceremonies. Hobbs stated that the flags now held a place of honor in her office, and tribal leaders including Martin Harvier, president of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, responded positively to her decision.

On March 21, 2025, Arizona Governor Hobbs issued an executive order directing the state Department of Agriculture to delay implementation of cage-free egg production rules until 2034. The delay postpones compliance costs that producers would otherwise pass on to grocers and consumers. According to the Department of Agriculture's estimates, the delayed requirements could result in savings of one penny to 3.25 cents per egg once implemented, or approximately 12 to 39 cents per dozen.

On March 21, 2025, Hobbs ordered the Arizona Department of Agriculture to delay implementation of cage-free egg production rules until 2034. The delay postpones compliance requirements that would have required producers to transition to cage-free housing systems. According to the governor's office, the postponement extends the timeline for producers to adopt the new standards without incurring immediate costs.

Governor Katie Hobbs had ordered a review of Arizona's death penalty procedures in 2023, which resulted in the delay of Aaron Brian Gunches' execution from April 2023 to March 2025. Hobbs subsequently fired the retired judge she had appointed to conduct the review in late 2024, and the state's corrections department announced changes to the team responsible for lethal injections. Gunches was executed by lethal injection on March 19, 2025, at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence for the 2002 murder of Ted Price.

Governor Hobbs signed off on the execution of Aaron Gunches by lethal injection, scheduled for March 19, 2025, following a pause on executions and a review of the state's execution protocol. Hobbs's office stated that the administration had conducted a diligent review of Arizona's execution policies and procedures and implemented reform measures including additional transparency measures in preparation for the execution. The execution proceeded despite concerns raised by David Duncan, a retired federal judge previously appointed to review the execution protocol, regarding the age of drugs used and training of personnel administering the lethal injection.

The Arizona Supreme Court created two AI-generated avatars named Victoria and Daniel to deliver news of judicial rulings to the public, marking the first known use of such technology by a state court system in the United States. Chief Justice Ann Timmer indicated that the initiative was designed to increase public understanding of court decisions and promote trust in the judicial system, particularly following public controversy surrounding a 2024 ruling on abortion law enforcement. The avatars function as AI-generated spokespersons to disseminate information about court opinions more rapidly than traditional methods.

Hobbs issued a proclamation scheduling an election to fill the U.S. House seat for Congressional District 7 following the death of Representative Raúl Grijalva on March 14, 2025. Grijalva, a Democrat who had represented southern Arizona since his initial election in 2002, died at age 77 from complications related to lung cancer treatment. The proclamation established the timeline and procedures for conducting both a primary election and general election to fill the vacant seat.

Governor Hobbs announced the dates for special elections to fill the congressional seat vacated by the death of Representative Raul Grijalva, with the special primary election scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, and the special general election set for Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The Arizona Secretary of State's office confirmed that the resign-to-run rule applies to the election, requiring candidates already holding elected positions to resign if they choose to run. Multiple potential candidates, including some local officials, announced their intentions regarding participation in the race following Hobbs's announcement.

Following the death of Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, Arizona Gov. Hobbs was required under state law to call a special election within 72 hours of the official vacancy in Arizona's 7th Congressional District. The special primary election must be held 120 to 133 days after the vacancy, with the general election to follow within 70 to 80 days after the primary, placing the primary in mid-July and the general election in late September to early October. The seat, representing a district spanning southern Arizona from Tucson to the border with Mexico, will remain vacant until a successor is selected through the special election process.

Arizona Attorney General Mayes filed five lawsuits against the Trump administration following Trump's election to a second term, averaging one lawsuit approximately every ten days since taking office. Governor Hobbs took a different approach, visiting the Mexican border in the days after Trump's election to communicate openness to discussions with the incoming president regarding Arizona's border security needs. Both Democratic officials, who narrowly won their 2022 elections in a state that voted for Trump, adopted contrasting strategies in response to the new administration.

Governor Hobbs dismissed a retired federal magistrate judge she had appointed to examine Arizona's execution procedures in November 2024, ending a review of the state's death penalty protocol that had been conducted under her administration. The dismissal concluded a period during which the state's Democratic attorney general had agreed not to pursue executions pending the outcome of the procedural review. Hobbs's action cleared the way for Arizona to resume capital punishment, with Aaron Gunches scheduled for execution by lethal injection on March 19, 2025.

Hobbs announced the creation of a task force focused on disrupting cartel activity in enforcement gaps between ports of entry along Arizona's four border counties. The task force was designed to address drug smuggling and human trafficking through partnerships with local law enforcement and federal agencies. Hobbs stated that such operations and task forces under her oversight had already demonstrated success in stopping and seizing drugs and guns crossing into the state.

The Arizona Court of Appeals invalidated the Elections Procedures Manual adopted by Secretary of State Fontes, ruling that he failed to comply with state administrative law requiring a minimum 30-day public comment period before enacting regulations. Fontes provided only 15 days for public comment before implementing the manual ahead of the 2024 election. Fontes announced his disagreement with the ruling and stated his intention to appeal the decision to the Arizona Supreme Court.

Hobbs updated the state's budget in response to what she characterized as a "ballooning of ESA entitlement spending," projecting that the Education Savings Account voucher program will exceed $1 billion in taxpayer spending for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The budget adjustment came as public school advocates gathered at the state Capitol to call for increased funding for public education, citing school closures they attributed to insufficient state appropriations. Hobbs's budget revision directly addressed the fiscal impact of the existing ESA voucher program on state finances.

Governor Katie Hobbs announced the creation of Operation Desert Guardian, a joint state border task force designed to address drug and human trafficking across Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz, and Yuma counties by partnering federal and state agencies with local sheriffs' departments. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway declined to participate in the task force, stating that the initiative duplicated existing duties performed by federal agents already stationed along the Arizona-Mexico border. Both sheriffs indicated they had not been consulted during the task force's development prior to being invited to a meeting to discuss its creation.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order implementing a federal hiring freeze and authorizing extensive firings across federal agencies, resulting in the National Park Service firing an estimated 1,000 employees and the Forest Service releasing approximately 2,000 to 3,400 employees. Arizona's national parks and forests experienced immediate operational strain following these actions, with Grand Canyon National Park reporting wait times double the usual length and losing four toll operators despite being the second most visited park in the country. Governor Hobbs publicly stated on social media that the Trump administration's removal of essential workers undermines Arizona's economy and ability to showcase its natural resources.

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge permanently blocked Arizona's 15-week abortion ban in March 2025, declaring the restriction unconstitutional. The ruling came after Planned Parenthood Arizona and two physicians filed a challenge to the ban in December 2024. Governor Hobbs had previously urged the state legislature to repeal an 1864 abortion ban following an Arizona Supreme Court decision in 2024, and lawmakers approved legislation to repeal that law, which Hobbs signed in May 2024.

Hobbs released a budget update in March 2025 identifying a "dramatic spike" in spending on Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account program, projecting the program to reach $1 billion in taxpayer spending during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. The updated state budget included $48.4 million in ESA supplemental spending for the upcoming fiscal year. Hobbs had previously proposed limiting enrollment in the school voucher program and implementing income-based caps on voucher amounts, with families earning under $100,000 receiving full vouchers and higher-earning families receiving reduced amounts.

Arizona Governor Hobbs and Republican lawmakers appeared close to reaching an agreement to ask voters to extend Proposition 123, a 2016 ballot measure that increased the percentage of money schools receive from the state's land trust fund from 2.5% to 6.9%. The proposed renewal would maintain the increased funding level for Arizona's K-12 public schools through the continuation of the existing proposition. Hobbs and the Republican-controlled legislature were negotiating the terms of placing the measure before voters for another approval.

In March 2025, Hobbs adjusted her position on Arizona school trust fund withdrawals by capping annual withdrawals at 6.9%, matching both the rate approved under Proposition 123 in 2015 and the figure supported by Republican legislators. This adjustment from her previous demand of 8.9% annual withdrawals was intended to facilitate negotiations with Republicans on teacher salary increases. Hobbs' revised proposal would generate $317 million annually in additional funding for K-12 education.

Governor Hobbs stated that she was unwilling to sign legislation similar to Colorado's TABOR system that would automatically cut income tax rates whenever the state achieved a structural surplus. Hobbs indicated that while she was open to negotiating on tax relief measures more broadly, she objected to the automatic mechanism on the grounds that it would constrain future administrations by requiring a two-thirds vote to raise taxes while only a simple majority could approve cuts. The Senate proposal would have tied automatic income tax reductions to the state's surplus, distinguishing itself from full TABOR by affecting only state income taxes rather than overall government spending.

The Arizona House gave initial approval to a measure that would ask voters to decide whether inmates sentenced to death should be executed by firing squad instead of lethal injection. The proposal was based on a recommendation from consultant David Duncan, whom Governor Hobbs hired in 2023 to review the state's execution procedures before terminating his employment. If approved by both chambers of the Republican-controlled legislature, the constitutional amendment would appear on next year's ballot and would not affect executions scheduled before that election.

Governor Hobbs's office announced that a federal program providing $153 million in funding for household energy efficiency upgrades and air conditioning repairs for low- and middle-income Arizonans was placed on pause. The program, which had been previously announced in August 2024, was designed to deliver energy efficiency rebates to eligible households across the state. The pause in federal funding halted the distribution of the allocated resources to Arizona residents.

Governor Hobbs stated that Arizona would not use state resources to address staffing reductions at Grand Canyon National Park resulting from federal layoffs by the National Park Service. Hobbs characterized the federal cuts as "rash and irrational decisions" by the Trump administration but determined that the state lacked legal standing to intervene in federal personnel matters. The governor noted that the ten layoffs at the Grand Canyon, including four positions at the park's entrance, had created longer wait times for visitors, but stated that deploying state dollars to pay federal workers was not an appropriate use of state funds.

During her State of the State address in Yuma on February 27, 2025, Hobbs discussed the potential economic impacts of proposed tariffs on Mexico, which she identified as Arizona's largest trading partner. Hobbs stated that the tariffs could negatively affect Arizona's economy and threaten critical industries in the state, particularly semiconductor manufacturing. The governor also celebrated the groundbreaking of Arizona Western College's new manufacturing facility, which will provide training in electrical technology, advanced manufacturing, broadband, fiber optics, and solar installation.

Hobbs called on legislative Republicans to address a funding crisis affecting services for Arizonans with disabilities after Republicans attributed the budget shortfall to the governor's office. The Department of Economic Security had informed lawmakers that additional funding was required to maintain services for the population. Hobbs stated that lawmakers, rather than her office, were responsible for resolving the budgetary issue.

Governor Hobbs stated that the Division of Developmental Disabilities program required $122 million in immediate funding to continue paying providers by May, as the program serves over 50,000 Arizonans with developmental disabilities, autism, intellectual disability, and cerebral palsy. Hobbs characterized the funding shortfall as resulting from actions by Republican lawmakers during budget negotiations. Republican Rep. David Livingston, who heads the House Appropriations Committee, attributed the funding crisis to the governor spending beyond authorized amounts.

Governor Hobbs signed an executive order establishing Operation Desert Guardian, an initiative that coordinates drug interdiction operations between state government and local law enforcement agencies in Arizona's four border counties. The program allocates $28 million in state border funding and involves partnerships with local and federal law enforcement entities. The initiative aims to address transnational criminal activity in border regions.

Governor Katie Hobbs created a new $170,000-a-year contractual position within the Department of Economic Security for Dana Allmond, a retired lieutenant colonel whom Hobbs had previously appointed to direct the Department of Veterans' Services and later replaced in that role. The position, which did not exist prior to Allmond's appointment, was funded through federal stimulus dollars and tasked with connecting veterans with services, a function that the Department of Veterans' Services already performed. During Senate Committee on Director Nominations hearings, committee chair Jake Hoffman questioned whether the newly created position was necessary given existing departmental capabilities to serve veterans.

The Arizona House Regulatory Oversight Committee approved HCR 2024, a bill that would amend the state constitution to make firing squad the primary method of execution for inmates on death row. Under the measure, the 10 death row inmates who committed crimes before November 23, 1992, would retain the choice between firing squad or gas chamber, while the remaining inmates would be executed by firing squad instead of lethal injection. The proposal passed along party lines on Tuesday.

House Bill 2438 passed the Arizona House of Representatives on a 33-26 party-line vote in February 2025, proposing to prohibit transgender individuals from amending their birth certificates to reflect a sex change and preventing judges from authorizing such changes. The bill, sponsored by Republican lawmakers and aligned with a Trump administration executive order recognizing only two sexes, was expected to advance to the Republican-controlled Senate. Governor Hobbs indicated she would veto the legislation, citing her previous commitment to reject anti-transgender proposals, and a veto would require a two-thirds legislative majority to override, which Republicans did not possess.

Arizona state lawmakers voted to advance Senate Bill 1111, which would establish a bounty system paying rewards for arrests resulting in deportation of individuals without legal immigration status. The measure would fund these payments through fees on money transfers sent outside the United States. The bill passed the Senate Government Committee on a 4-3 vote in February 2025.

Senate Education Committee chairman David Farnsworth sponsored SB 1694, legislation that would make public universities and community colleges ineligible for state funding if they offer courses on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ideologies. The committee approved the bill on February 19, 2025, with the measure specifying that the Arizona Board of Regents would lose $54.8 million, Arizona State University would lose $378 million, Northern Arizona University would lose $128 million, the University of Arizona would lose $335 million, and Arizona community colleges would lose $88.5 million if they offered such courses. The bill subsequently advanced to the Senate floor and is expected to receive a veto from Governor Hobbs.

Governor Hobbs stated that state troopers are authorized to cite Arizona lawmakers for criminal speeding, citing a 2018 executive order issued by her predecessor Doug Ducey that classifies criminal speeding as a "breach of the peace." The executive order allows law enforcement employed by the state to cite lawmakers for driving more than 20 miles per hour over the speed limit, as this offense falls under one of three constitutional exceptions to legislative immunity. Hobbs made this statement in response to Senator Jake Hoffman being stopped for driving 24 miles per hour over the speed limit.

Governor Hobbs stated that an existing executive order establishes that Arizona legislative immunity does not apply to criminal speeding traffic violations. The statement was issued following traffic stops of two Republican state senators, including Mark Finchem, who had cited legislative immunity in response to a speeding citation. Hobbs clarified the scope of legislative immunity protections in the context of motor vehicle violations.

Hobbs vetoed a Republican bill during the 2025 legislative session that would have accelerated the timeline for election results in Arizona. The bill, modeled on Florida election laws, would have moved the deadline for early ballot drop-offs to several days before Election Day. Hobbs stated the measure would restrict voter access to the ballot.

Governor Hobbs vetoed a Republican-backed election reform bill in February 2025 that would have eliminated early ballot drop-offs on Election Day. The bill aimed to accelerate election result reporting, which officials noted had been slowed by same-day ballot submissions. Hobbs stated in her veto letter that the legislation would effectively end the Active Early Voting List and create additional barriers for voters who prefer mail-in voting.

The Arizona House of Representatives voted 33-26 on February 17, 2025, to advance House Concurrent Resolution 2013, which would place a measure on the 2026 ballot to move the early ballot drop-off deadline from 7 p.m. on Election Day to the Friday before Election Day. Governor Hobbs announced her intention to veto the substantially similar House Bill 2703, citing concerns about restricting voter access to ballot drop-off locations. The concurrent resolution bypasses the governor's veto authority by placing the proposed changes directly before voters as a ballot measure.

Governor Hobbs included a funding increase for the Division of Developmental Disabilities in her budget proposal to address a growing caseload, with the program serving approximately 50,000 people in Arizona annually. Arizona House Democrats introduced HB2816 in response to Hobbs' budget request to fund the DDD as proposed, though the bill requires Republican legislative support. The DDD faces potential funding depletion as early as late April or early May 2025, with Republican lawmakers attributing the shortfall to administrative mismanagement rather than caseload growth.

Governor Hobbs vetoed the Starter Homes Act, legislation proposed by Rep. Leo Biasiucci that would limit local zoning restrictions intended to lower housing costs in Arizona. The bill has since undergone revisions following the veto. The League of Arizona Cities and Towns has championed alternative starter home legislation sponsored by Sen. Vince Leach and Rep. Janeen Connolly that would require municipalities over 30,000 residents to allow starter homes in at least 10 percent of new single-family residential developments beginning in 2027.

Republican lawmakers passed House Bill 2703 on Wednesday, legislation designed to accelerate election result reporting by eliminating the practice of accepting early ballot drop-offs on Election Day. The measure was sent to Governor Hobbs on Monday with a five-day deadline for her to sign, veto, or allow it to become law without her signature. Hobbs has indicated she intends to veto the bill, citing concerns that the change could disenfranchise voters who prefer to research candidates and issues closer to Election Day.

The Arizona Legislature approved House Bill 2703 in February 2025, which would eliminate the option for voters to drop off early ballots at polling places on Election Day. Under the measure, voters could still mail early ballots if received by county offices by 7 p.m. on Election Day, or deliver ballots directly to the county recorder's office by that deadline, but the polling place drop-off option would be removed. The legislation passed without Democratic support, and Governor Hobbs indicated she would veto the bill.

Governor Hobbs dismissed the retired federal magistrate she had appointed to examine Arizona's execution procedures, concluding a review of the state's death penalty protocol in November 2024. The Arizona Supreme Court subsequently issued an execution warrant for convicted murderer Aaron Gunches, scheduling his lethal injection for March 19, 2025. Gunches was convicted in the 2002 shooting death of Ted Price in Mesa.

Rep. Quang Nguyen introduced HCR 2053, a proposed constitutional amendment that would add traffic violations to the list of exceptions to legislative immunity in Arizona. The proposal would allow lawmakers to be arrested for traffic violations while the Legislature is in session and for 15 days before convening each January, joining existing exceptions for treason, felonies, and breach of the peace. The measure requires approval from a majority of lawmakers and passage by Arizona voters in the 2026 election.

Arizona State Senator Mark Finchem introduced SB 1066, which would prohibit foreign entities deemed "hostile to the United States" from purchasing land in Arizona without legislative approval. The bill was approved by the Senate Committee on Federalism on a party-line vote and is modeled after similar legislation in Arkansas. Finchem cited concerns about undisclosed foreign acquisitions in Arizona related to mineral resources, though the legislation does not specify criteria for determining which entities qualify as hostile or establish a formal process for making such determinations beyond a majority vote of lawmakers.

Hobbs released a joint statement with the Democratic leaders of the Arizona House and Senate calling for officials to take accountability regarding the Isaac School District's budget crisis. The Isaac School District was placed under state receivership following a massive budget shortfall. The statement was released on Friday in response to the district's financial difficulties.

Governor Hobbs proposed a plan to extend Proposition 123, the 2015 ballot measure that directs earnings from the state land trust fund to education, which was set to expire in 2025. Hobbs's plan would withdraw additional funds from the trust beyond the current extension to support not only teacher salary increases but also support staff compensation, general school funding, and school capital and safety improvements. This proposal represented an alternative approach to a competing plan by Republican lawmakers Senator J.D. Mesnard and Representative Matt Gress, which focused specifically on raising teacher salaries by approximately $4,000 annually without increasing taxes.

Gov. Hobbs announced the Rural Groundwater Management Act of 2025, legislation that would grant rural Arizona communities decision-making authority over local groundwater management and conservation programs. Senate Bill 1425 would establish five-person councils in each water management program and provide funding for water conservation initiatives in areas including the Gila Bend Basin, Hualapai Valley Basin, Ranegras Plain Basin, and San Simon Valley Sub-basin. Hobbs stated that if the legislation does not pass, she would designate additional areas as Active Management Areas to protect groundwater resources from depletion.

Gov. Hobbs announced the nomination of Judge Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court on January 29, 2025, following the retirement of Justice Robert Brutinel. Cruz, a Yuma County Superior Court Judge and Democrat, would become the first Latina and first Black member of the state Supreme Court since its establishment in 1912. The nomination marks the first Supreme Court appointment by a Democratic governor in Arizona since 2005.

Arizona Attorney General Mayes joined 22 other states in filing a lawsuit challenging the federal funding freeze implemented by the Trump administration. The lawsuit was filed in response to a freeze on federal funds that created uncertainty regarding the continuation of federally-allocated resources to states. Mayes took this legal action as the state's chief legal officer to contest the administration's action.

Hobbs appointed Judge Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court on January 29, 2025, to fill a vacancy on the state's highest court. Cruz became the first Latina and first person of African descent to serve on the Arizona Supreme Court. The appointment was announced by the governor on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

Governor Hobbs stated during the State of the State speech that Proposition 123, which provides billions of dollars from the state land trust to public schools, must be renewed before its expiration at the end of June. Hobbs characterized the renewal as essential to maintaining critical funding for public schools and teachers. The legislature had missed deadlines to place a renewal measure on the May ballot, with Senator J.D. Mesnard subsequently introducing SCR 1015 to bring a renewed proposition before voters.

Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a sweeping housing measure in the previous legislative session that would have stripped Arizona cities and towns of authority to set standards for single-family home lots, building sizes, design standards, and required features such as fencing or garages. Hobbs stated in her veto letter that the measure contained "unexplained, unintended consequences" that placed major limits on housing requirements and cited concerns about impacts on areas near military airports. Republican Representative Leo Biasiucci reintroduced the proposal in the current legislative session with a modification to exclude areas around military airports, the primary change from the previously vetoed version.

A federal judge rejected a legal challenge brought by Republican state lawmakers to overturn the Biden administration's 2023 designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tath Kukveni Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, which encompasses nearly a million acres of federal land near the Grand Canyon. U.S. District Court Judge Stephen McNamee ruled that state legislators lacked standing to bring the claim in federal court and that only the executive branch held that authority. Governor Hobbs and Attorney General Mayes, both Democrats, did not choose to challenge the monument designation, and McNamee found that this fact did not entitle state lawmakers to intervene in the matter.

Arizona lawmakers reintroduced the Arizona Starter Homes Act with minor modifications after Governor Hobbs vetoed the legislation in the previous year. The bill would restrict larger Arizona cities and towns from setting standards for single family home lot sizes, building sizes, and design standards. The reintroduced version maintained the core provisions of the original proposal that Hobbs had rejected.

Governor Hobbs joined 21 other states in filing lawsuits in federal court to block President Trump's executive order restricting birthright citizenship for children born to non-citizen parents. Hobbs stated in a public statement that the order was "unconstitutional and un-American" and argued that it would create administrative difficulties for state government while increasing costs to Arizona taxpayers. The executive order, set to take effect within 30 days unless blocked by courts, would require at least one parent to be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident for automatic citizenship of children born on U.S. soil.

Governor Hobbs included a $7 million budget request to accelerate repatriation efforts at the Arizona State Museum, which houses the state's largest collection of Native American human remains and artifacts subject to repatriation under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990. The funding is intended to allow the museum to hire additional staff and expand operations to meet federal repatriation timelines that the institution has previously failed to achieve due to inadequate state funding. Hobbs announced the budget request during her Tribal State of the State address in January 2025, with lawmakers scheduled to vote on the budget by the end of June.

Arizona schools superintendent Tom Horne called for the reinstatement of a high school graduation test requirement during his State of Education address to the House Education Committee in January 2025. Horne cited data showing schools graduating up to 90 percent of students while only 2 to 3 percent demonstrated proficiency in key subjects, and noted that employers reported high school graduates lacked expected skills. Arizona previously required students to pass the Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) test to receive a diploma beginning in 2006, but lawmakers repealed this requirement in 2015.

Governor Hobbs included in her executive budget proposal a 15 percent pay increase for Arizona's wildland firefighters and a $30 million one-time payment for fire suppression funding. The proposal was made in response to increasing fire seasons and the demanding conditions faced by firefighters who work extended hours on fire lines. The executive budget requires legislative approval to be enacted.

Governor Hobbs directed that Arizona state flags remain at half-staff on the day of Donald Trump's second inauguration, following protocol established by President Biden's order to lower flags for 30 days following former President Jimmy Carter's death on December 29. Hobbs's decision placed Arizona among states maintaining half-staff flags during the inauguration, contrasting with governors from multiple states who chose to raise flags to full height on that day. The gubernatorial press aide stated the decision was based on flag protocol rather than any position regarding the inauguration itself.

In her $17.65 billion state spending proposal for fiscal year 2026, Democratic Governor Hobbs proposed income restrictions on Arizona's universal voucher program, which funds tuition for private, parochial, and homeschool education. Under her proposal, full vouchers between $7,000 and $8,000 per student would remain available to families earning less than $100,000 annually, with reduced vouchers for families earning between $100,000 and $200,000, and no vouchers for families earning more than $200,000. Hobbs estimated the modified eligibility restrictions would save at least $150 million annually while preserving voucher access for students with special needs, those in underperforming schools, children in foster care, and military families.

Hobbs proposed a $1 billion increase in state spending for the new Arizona budget in January 2025, approximately one year after the state legislature made significant cuts to address a budget deficit. The proposed spending increase would add to the budget plan that Hobbs signed into law the previous summer. The proposal represented a shift in fiscal direction following the prior year's deficit reduction measures.

Governor Hobbs proposed modifications to Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account program, which provides taxpayer funds to parents for private school tuition. The proposal would establish an income cap limiting eligibility, with families earning under $100,000 remaining eligible for full voucher amounts while higher-earning families would receive reduced funding based on household income. According to the governor's office, the reform would save the state $150 million annually.

Governor Hobbs proposed a public-private partnership program called Bright Futures AZ designed to reduce child care costs for eligible families. Under the proposal, households earning $150,000 or less with children under age 6 would have child care expenses split among the family, their employer, and the state, with the state matching up to $400 per month per child if the employer participates. The initiative, modeled on Michigan's Tri-Share program, also includes funding for an after-school grant program and a corporate tax credit to encourage business-operated child care facilities, requiring legislative approval to implement.

Governor Hobbs called on the Arizona Legislature to accelerate the repatriation process of Native American human remains and artifacts held by institutions in the state. Hobbs requested $7 million in funding to expedite the repatriation effort, citing the slow pace of the existing process. The governor made the request during an address to tribal leaders in January 2025, noting that the collection at the Arizona State Museum continues to grow without sufficient resources for timely return of remains and artifacts.

Hobbs proposed a 5 percent salary increase for Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers in response to a significant staffing shortage that has left the department approximately 500 troopers short and unable to patrol most of the state's 15 counties after midnight. The proposal would raise starting pay from approximately $65,000 annually to about $68,250 per year. The Arizona State Troopers Association has requested a larger increase of $12,000 annually to address recruitment and retention challenges.

Hobbs announced the allocation of $17.2 million in funding to support local law enforcement border security efforts in Arizona. The funds are designated to support border security operations, drug interdiction activities, and efforts to combat human trafficking. The money will be distributed among local enforcement agencies working in border regions.

Governor Hobbs requested $7 million in state funding from the Arizona Legislature to accelerate the repatriation of Native American human remains and artifacts held by institutions including the Arizona State Museum. Hobbs stated that the museum's collection has grown while repatriation efforts have been hampered by lack of significant state financial investment. The Arizona State Museum holds approximately 4,000 human remains and roughly 800,000 objects awaiting repatriation.

During her State of the State address on January 15, 2025, Governor Hobbs announced the Working Families Child Care Act, a proposed program designed to reduce child care costs for Arizona families by two-thirds. Hobbs cited the average annual child care cost for Arizona families at approximately $15,000 and indicated the program would address affordability through support for employers, businesses, and families seeking accessible child care. Details of the program's implementation remained unspecified at the time of announcement, with Hobbs expected to provide additional information upon release of the state budget.

Casa Grande Rep. Teresa Martinez introduced House Bill 2099, which would require Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes to cooperate with any federal deportation orders issued by the Trump administration. Hobbs' office declined to indicate whether she would sign the legislation if it reached her desk. Mayes stated through her spokesman that a blanket requirement to comply with Trump's immigration policies is unacceptable and that her office would challenge any measures she believes violate constitutional rights.

Gov. Hobbs announced on January 15, 2025, that $17.2 million would be diverted to law enforcement in southern Arizona to support the state's fentanyl task force and border security operations. The funding announcement came as the state prepared for changes in federal immigration policy following the incoming Trump administration. Hobbs stated the allocation would provide law enforcement officers with tools needed to address drug smuggling and border security, building on over $100 million previously directed to local law enforcement for border security efforts.

Governor Hobbs proposed a legislative agenda focused on reducing housing and child care costs, including measures to boost new home construction, limit short-term rentals, and establish a public-private partnership to address child-care expenses. House Speaker Steve Montenegro indicated resistance to the governor's proposals, stating that Republicans received a mandate from voters to prioritize public safety rather than the issues Hobbs highlighted. The proposals face an uncertain path through the Republican-controlled legislature in both chambers.

Hobbs delivered her 2025 State of the State address on January 13, 2025, directing lawmakers to focus on reducing costs for Arizona residents experiencing increased cost of living. The address emphasized affordability as a priority during her third year in office. Hobbs characterized Arizona's historical reputation as an affordable state and called for legislative attention to the rising expenses facing residents.

Hobbs delivered a State of the State address on January 13, 2025, as the Arizona legislative session began, outlining priorities including border security, groundwater protection, and school voucher program oversight. Regarding groundwater regulations, Hobbs stated her intention to pursue legislative action on revamping state water laws and indicated she would take executive action unilaterally if the legislature failed to act. Hobbs also called for increased accountability and transparency in Arizona's school voucher program, characterizing it as unchecked and suggesting its funding be redirected toward border security and law enforcement measures.

State Rep. Alexander Kolodin introduced House Bill 2051, which would require Arizona's governor to appear before the Legislature on the third Wednesday of every month to answer questions from lawmakers. The bill would allow both opposition and majority party members to pose inquiries to the governor, with Kolodin stating the measure would provide voters with direct observation of government decision-making and officials' responses. Kolodin modeled the proposal on the British parliamentary question time practice.

Arizona Democratic Senators Mark Kelly and Gallego announced support for the Laken Riley Act, a GOP-led bill that mandates federal detention of undocumented immigrants accused of theft-related crimes without conviction or formal charges and grants states broad standing to sue the federal government over immigration policy. The bill passed the U.S. House on January 6, 2025, with 48 Democrats voting in favor, and advanced in the Senate on Thursday with 31 Democrats and all Republicans voting to begin debate. Gallego served as a co-sponsor of the legislation.

The Arizona Attorney General's Office filed a request with the state Supreme Court on Friday to issue a warrant for the execution of Aaron Brian Gunches, who pleaded guilty to murder in 2007. The filing came after a two-year pause in executions that ended in November when Governor Hobbs dismissed the retired federal magistrate appointed to review the state's death penalty protocol. Prosecutors stated in the filing that the state is prepared to carry out the execution, noting that Gunches has waived state post-conviction review and failed to initiate federal constitutional review.

Mayes created a new cold case unit within the Arizona Attorney General's Office to assist local police departments in investigating unsolved cases. The unit was established to provide resources and support to law enforcement agencies working to resolve cases regardless of when the crimes occurred. Mayes stated that the unit was created to help families seeking answers about unresolved cases in Arizona.