Arizona’s major state-owned public shooting ranges, including the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, are now protected from unilateral closure after Gov. Hobbs signed House Bill 2763 into law. The measure was sponsored by Rep. Quang Nguyen (R-LD1).
The new law establishes additional safeguards before certain Arizona Game and Fish Commission-owned shooting ranges can be closed, requiring approval from the Arizona Legislature in addition to existing public review and executive branch requirements.
H.B. 2763 applies to state-owned shooting ranges located in or near Arizona’s larger population centers and adds a legislative approval requirement to an already extensive closure process.
Under the law, a shooting range may not be closed unless the following steps occur:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department director recommends the closure in writing.
The commission issues a report explaining the reason for the proposed closure.
Public hearings are held in Arizona’s three most populous counties.
The commission unanimously approves the closure.
The Joint Committee on Capital Review reviews the closure recommendations.
The Arizona Legislature adopts a joint resolution approving the closure.
The Governor signs an executive order authorizing the closure.
The legislation passed both chambers of the Arizona Legislature without receiving a single Democratic vote.
Rep. Nguyen, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said the measure ensures that decisions involving Arizona’s most significant public shooting facilities remain subject to public scrutiny and legislative oversight.
🚨BILL SIGNED🚨
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – The Ben Avery Shooting Facility and other major state-owned public shooting ranges are now protected from unilateral closure under legislation sponsored by Republican State Representative Quang Nguyen and signed into law today.
“Ben Avery belongs to the people of Arizona, and no state agency should be able to quietly shut it down because development moved closer or political priorities shifted,” stated Rep. Nguyen. “This law puts that decision where it belongs: before the public and the lawmakers they elect. Ben Avery trains responsible gun owners, supports hunters and law enforcement, and keeps shooting activity on a supervised range instead of pushing it into the open desert. Protecting this facility protects public safety, public access, and the rights of Arizona gun owners.”
Ben Avery Shooting Facility, located in North Phoenix is the largest publicly operated shooting facility in the United States and serves thousands of Arizonans annually through hunter education programs, firearm safety training, competitive shooting events, recreational shooting opportunities, and law enforcement qualification exercises.
Supporters of the legislation noted that Ben Avery was established decades before much of the surrounding residential and commercial development. They argue that maintaining designated public shooting facilities helps keep shooting activities in safe, supervised environments rather than pushing them onto unmanaged desert lands, where concerns can include wildfire risks, litter, environmental damage, and unsafe shooting conditions.
In addition to Ben Avery, the law impacts several other Arizona Game and Fish Commission-owned shooting ranges throughout the state, including:
Three Points Shooting Range (Tucson)
Seven Mile Hill Shooting Range (Kingman)
Silver Creek Archery Range (Show Low)
Second Knoll Shooting Range (Show Low)
Sierra Vista Shooting Range (Sierra Vista)
St. Johns shooting Range (St. Johns)
Tri-State Shooting Park (Bullhead City)
Usery Mountain Shooting Range (Mesa)
Northern Arizona Shooting Range (Flagstaff)
With Governor Hobbs’ signature, H.B. 2763 is now law, providing an additional layer of legislative oversight before Arizona’s major state-owned public shooting ranges can be permanently closed.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
Arizona Consumers will soon see clearer labeling on food products made from cultivated animal cells following the enactment of House Bill 2762, known as the “Andy Groseta Act.”
The legislation, sponsored by State Representative Quang Nguyen (R-LD1), was signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs after receiving overwhelming bipartisan support in the Arizona Legislature, passing the House of Representatives by a vote of 52-3 and the Senate by a vote of 24-5.
The new law requires manufacturers, packagers, and retailers of food products derived from cultivated animal cells to clearly label those products as either “Cell-Cultivated” or “Cell-Cultured” on their packaging before they are sold to Arizona consumers.
The measure is named in honor of the late Andy Groseta, a prominent Arizona cattleman and agricultural leader who served as president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association, and the Yavapai Cattle Growers’ Association.
Under the law, food products produced from cultivated animal cells may continue to be sold in Arizona, but consumers must be informed about how those products were made.
✅New Arizona Law Requires Clear Labels on Cell-Cultured Food Products Rep. Quang Nguyen’s “Andy Groseta Act” protects consumers and supports Arizona agriculture
“Arizona consumers deserve honesty at the grocery store, and Arizona ranchers deserve a fair market. This law does… pic.twitter.com/Nv0QuJOhKt
— Arizona House Republicans (@AZHouseGOP) June 22, 2026
“Arizona consumers deserve honesty at the grocery store, and Arizona ranchers deserve a fair market,” stated Rep. Nguyen. “This law does not ban anything. It simply says that if a product is grown from cells in a lab, the package has to say so. Families should not have to sort through marketing claims to know whether they are buying food raised by farmers and ranchers or a product made another way. Clear labels protect consumers, respect Arizona agriculture, and make sure the package tells the truth.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), animal cell culture technology produces meat and poultry products without slaughter by growing livestock or poultry cells in a controlled environment, such as a bioreactor, before harvesting those cells for human consumption.
Federal regulators classify these products as meat and poultry food products and subject them to the same inspection and oversight requirements as conventionally produced meat and poultry.
“Andy Groseta spent his life standing up for cattlemen, rural Arizona, and honest agriculture,” added Nguyen. “This law honors that legacy by keeping the marketplace honest. If companies want to sell cell-cultured products, they can. But they should not be able to market their products as something they are not.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
A recent graduate of Glendale Prep has earned one of the nation’s most prestigious military appointments, securing admission to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
David Vosekalns, a member of Glendale Prep’s Class of 2026, will officially join the Naval Academy’s class of 2030 when he is inducted on June 25, 2026.
His appointment comes after a highly competitive selection process that saw approximately 16,000 applicants nationwide compete for roughly 1,200 available spots.
🇺🇸WATCH🇺🇸
Recently, our office welcomed David & his family. We celebrated his outstanding achievement, & he sat down for an interview with Great Hearts to discuss the opportunity
The official appointment was presented by Blue & Gold Officer Sue Wester (Arizona Area… pic.twitter.com/59jUDTJuty
— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) June 22, 2026
“David was one of about 16,000 students from throughout the nation who applied for one of the approximately 1,200 appointments to the Naval Academy’s Class of 2030,” explained Blue and Gold Officer and volunteer field representative for the Naval Academy Admissions Office, Sue Wester. “In receiving his appointment, David was recognized for his citizenship, athleticism, scholarship, and moral character as being worthy to join the Brigade of Midshipmen and become a U.S. military officer.”
Vosekalns received a digital offer of appointment on May 20, 2026 but his official certificate of appointment was formally presented by Wester during a ceremony held at the office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh in Surprise, Arizona.
Congressman Hamadeh, who nominated Vosekalns for admission to the Naval Academy, played an important role in his journey to Annapolis. Earlier this year, Vosekalns had the opportunity to meet Hamadeh during a senior trip to Washington, D.C., with his classmates from Glendale Prep.
“Today, we’re in Congressman Abraham Hamadeh’s office, said Vosekalns at his appointment ceremony. “He gave me my nomination to the Naval Academy. On the senior trip to Washington, D.C., I was fortunate enough to work with Congressman Hamadeh’s office to meet him with some of my other friends in his Washington office.”
Reflecting on his acceptance, Vosekalns expressed both gratitude and humility.
“I received the digital offer of appointment on May 20th, and I’m just dumbstruck, still processing it,” he said. “I just know that this is where the Lord’s led me, and I’m still processing it.”
As part of the Naval Academy’s freshman class, known as “plebes”, Vosekalns will participate in Plebe Summer, an intensive six-week military training program designed to prepare incoming midshipmen for academy life.
During the training, plebes have no access to television, movies, music, or the internet and are only allowed two phone calls during the six weeks.
Vosekalns plans to study engineering while attending the academy and credits Glendale Prep with helping him for the opportunity.
“Without Glendale Prep, I would not be here in a lot of ways,” he said. “All my letters of recommendation were written by the teachers at Glendale Prep, and the college counselor, Mrs. Sarbacker, was extremely helpful in the process.”
The appointment has also drawn praise from Congressman Hamadeh’s office.
We are incredibly proud of David Vosekalns, a recent Glendale Prep graduate who has been accepted to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
David’s exceptional character, scholarship, and leadership so impressed Congressman Hamadeh that this appointment was an…
— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) June 22, 2026
In a statement posted on X, the office said:
“We are incredibly proud of David Vosekalns, a recent Glendale Prep graduate who has been accepted to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. David’s exceptional character, scholarship, and leadership so impressed Congressman Hamadeh that this appointment was an easy decision. Congratulations, David! We know you are destined for great things.”
As Vosekalns prepares to report for Plebe Summer and begin his journey toward becoming a naval officer, he joins a select group of future military leaders entrusted with serving the nation.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
Arizona Senate Republicans attended a White House State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., where they met with senior Trump administration officials and Cabinet leaders. Discussions focused on key issues impacting Arizona, including border security, economic development, healthcare accountability, energy independence, and government reform.
The conference, hosted by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, brought together state leaders and federal officials for discussions on national and state policy priorities.
Arizona lawmakers spent approximately 42 hours in the nation’s capital engaging directly with administration leaders on issues impacting Arizona families, businesses, and communities.
🇺🇸The people making decisions in Washington heard directly from Arizona.🌵🏔️🚜
Border security. Public safety. Water. Energy. Healthcare accountability.
Here's a quick look at what Arizona Senate Republicans discussed with White House and Cabinet leaders this week. ⬇️… pic.twitter.com/lcjgXIYUEu
Among the federal officials participating in the conference were Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, White House Faith Director Jennifer Korn, Council of Economic Advisor representative Aaron Hedlund, and White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Director Ashely Walukevich.
The trip comes as Arizona lawmakers continue implementing several policy initiatives aligned with President Donald Trump’s federal agenda.
Republican legislative leaders noted that Arizona is currently the only state implementing the full package of tax relief provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill, including eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay while expanding tax relief for families, seniors, and small businesses.
During the conference, Arizona lawmakers also received a letter from the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs expressing support for Arizona’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
✅ The White House is applauding the conservative budget delivered by Arizona Republicans.
— Arizona House Republicans (@AZHouseGOP) June 17, 2026
“The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs strongly supports Arizona’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and commends Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen for Arizona’s republican leadership in advancing a fiscally responsible budget that strengthens government accountability while implementing key reforms enacted through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act,” wrote Walukevich in the June 15, letter.
The White House specifically highlighted provisions aimed at strengthening oversight of public assistance programs. According to the letter, the FY 2027 budget includes measures requiring the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to enhance eligibility verification, improve income validation procedures, reduce reliance on self-attestation, and strengthen program oversight for Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The administration stated that the reforms are intended to ensure taxpayer-funded benefits are directed to eligible recipients while reducing waste, fraud, and abuse.
“Arizona’s inclusion of these reforms reflects a commitment not only to complying with federal law, but to delivering better outcomes for taxpayers and beneficiaries alike,” added Walukevich. “These measures will improve program integrity, reduce error rates, and help preserve resources for the individuals and families these programs are intended to serve.”
Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14) said the conference provided an opportunity for Arizona Lawmakers to strengthen relationships with federal officials while ensuring Arizona’s priorities are represented in federal policymaking discussions.
🚨FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Arizona Senate Republicans Advance Arizona Priorities at White House State Leadership Conference with Trump Cabinet Leaders
“Arizona families are best served when leaders focus on solutions instead of political theater,” stated Petersen. “This conference provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with White House officials and Cabinet leaders who understand that states are often closest to the people and the challenges they face. They were genuinely interested in hearing Arizona’s perspective and incorporating feedback from state leaders as federal policies are developed and implemented.”
According to Arizona Senate Republicans, discussions throughout the conference covered a wide variety of issues, including border security, fentanyl and human trafficking, law enforcement cooperation, regulatory reform, fuel affordability, Medicaid integrity, hospice fraud, mental health, homelessness, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, domestic mineral production, religious liberty, economic growth, grid reliability, nuclear energy, and Arizona’s long-term energy needs.
Lawmakers also highlighted state priorities including water security and Colorado River management, transportation infrastructure, support for veterans and first responders, election administration, public safety, healthcare accountability, financial crimes targeting seniors, and energy infrastructure development.
Arizona Senators attending the conference included Senate President Warren Petersen (LD14), President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope (LD16), Majority Leader John Kavanagh (LD3), Majority Whip Frank Carroll (LD28), Tim Dunn (LD25), Wendy Rogers (LD7), David Gowan (LD19), Carine Werner (LD4), Hildy Angius (LD30), David Farnsworth (LD10), and Mark Finchem (LD1).
“Arizona has become a model for the nation on issues ranging from economic growth and tax relief to public safety and government accountability,” concluded Petersen. “Maintaining those open lines of communication helps ensure Arizona remains a strong voice in shaping policies that benefit both our state and the country.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Arizona Pac announced its endorsement of Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen in the race for Arizona Attorney General. The group cited Petersen’s record of supporting small businesses and advocating for policies aimed at economic growth.
“Warren Petersen is a consistent champion of Arizona’s small businesses,” stated NFIB State Director Chad Heinrich. “He brings a rare combination of real-world business experience and proven legislative leadership as Senate President. That combination of Main Street experience and executive-level policymaking is exactly what Arizona needs in an Attorney General.”
Heinrich noted that small businesses play a significant role in Arizona’s economy, creating the majority of new jobs in the state and employing more than four out of every ten workers. He said Petersen’s policy positions align closely with the priorities of Arizona’s small business community.
The endorsement comes as the Republican primary for Attorney General continues to take shape ahead of early voting, which begins June 24.
Primary Election Day is scheduled for July 21.
🚨 NFIB ENDORSES!
“Warren Petersen is a consistent champion of Arizona’s small businesses,” NFIB State Director Chad Heinrich said. “He brings a rare combination of real-world business experience and proven legislative leadership as Senate President. That combination of Main… https://t.co/wh3ii6UE8Q
According to the survey of 816 likely Arizona GOP primary voters, Petersen holds a lead over fellow Republican candidate Rodney Glassman.
The poll found Petersen receiving 35% support compared to Glassman’s 19%, while 46% of respondents remained undecided.
The poll’s support breakdown categorized voters as definite, probable, or leaning supporters. Petersen’s 35% total included 20% definite supporters, 10% probable supporters, and 5% leaning supporters.
Glassman’s 19% consisted of 5% definite supporters, 8% probable supporters, and 6% leaning supporters.
Petersen’s campaign has also accumulated more than 50 endorsements from elected officials, organizations, and political leaders. Supporters include law enforcement organizations and officials at the city, county, and state levels, attorney generals from around the country, Arizona legislators, members of Congress, county supervisors, and multiple PACs.
Earlier this week, the NFIB Arizona PAC also announced endorsements of 48 legislative candidates whom the organization identified as supportive of small-business priorities.
NFIB officials noted that small business owners and their employees traditionally participate in elections at high rates and often encourage family members, friends, and colleagues to vote, The organization’s endorsements are based on candidates’ positions and voting records on issues affecting small businesses.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
