by Jonathan Eberle | Mar 11, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
A proposed measure to close a significant loophole in Arizona’s election security passed the State Senate last week, bringing it one step closer to the 2026 election ballot. Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1027, sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick (R-2), aims to prevent foreign actors from influencing the state’s elections, especially in relation to ballot measures.
The resolution would prohibit foreign nationals, entities, and committees from contributing money or services to influence the outcome of any election in Arizona. If SCR 1027 passes the House and receives voter approval, it would be placed on the 2026 ballot, where Arizona residents will have the opportunity to cast their votes on whether to ban foreign money from election-related activities.
Senator Bolick says the bill is a response to an ongoing vulnerability in the election process that allows foreign money to potentially sway the outcome of elections. While contributions from foreign nationals to political committees are already prohibited, the current laws do not extend this prohibition to all aspects of the election process, particularly when it comes to ballot measures.
“This is a commonsense, carefully crafted measure to ensure that Arizona’s elections are free from foreign interference,” said Bolick. “The people of Arizona must be confident that foreign funds are not influencing any part of our election process. If the House approves SCR 1027, the people of Arizona will have the chance to vote on this measure to say once and for all—no foreign money in ANY part of our elections in Arizona.”
The measure is designed to add a layer of transparency and accountability to election funding. Under SCR 1027, any person or group attempting to influence the outcome of a ballot measure would be required to file a campaign finance report within 48 hours of making an expenditure. They would also need to certify under penalty of perjury that no foreign national provided funding or resources for preliminary election activities. This would be enforced by the Secretary of State’s office to ensure compliance.
Arizona is not alone in its concerns; other states have passed similar laws in recent years to protect their elections from foreign meddling. In 2020, Washington State implemented restrictions on foreign donations to initiatives, following concerns over foreign money being funneled into state campaigns.
Supporters of SCR 1027 argue that this measure will protect the integrity of the state’s election process and send a strong message about Arizona’s commitment to safeguard its elections from foreign influence. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the potential for overreach or unintended consequences that could hinder legitimate political activity.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Mar 11, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona’s House Republican leadership has issued a strong condemnation of Governor Katie Hobbs’ handling of the state’s Developmental Disabilities (DDD) program, citing a $122 million budget shortfall and accusing the administration of gross mismanagement. The joint statement, released last week, criticized the governor for reckless spending decisions and a lack of consultation with the legislature, which they say has contributed to a financial crisis in the program.
House Speaker Steve Montenegro, Majority Leader Michael Carbone, Majority Whip Julie Willoughby, and Speaker Pro Tempore Neal Carter joined forces to decry what they called Hobbs’ failure to take responsibility for the growing issues facing the program. The DDD program, which serves Arizona’s most vulnerable citizens—those with developmental disabilities—has seen its financial situation worsen due to an unsustainable increase in costs.
The Arizona Developmental Disabilities program is a $4 billion initiative that provides essential services and care for individuals with developmental disabilities. According to the House Republicans, the program is on track to double in cost from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2026, creating a serious budget shortfall that the governor’s office has failed to adequately address.
Republican leaders were especially vocal in their criticism of Governor Hobbs’ management of the program, accusing her of making “reckless spending decisions” that have led to the current crisis. The lawmakers pointed out that the governor’s administration had failed to work collaboratively with the legislature to develop solutions, instead opting for unilateral actions that have only exacerbated the problem.
“Governor Hobbs’ gross mismanagement puts Arizona’s most vulnerable citizens at risk,” the joint statement reads. “Her administration’s reckless spending decisions—made without consulting the Legislature—have bankrupted the DDD program, creating an avoidable crisis. Now, she’s demanding a taxpayer bailout without accountability or reforms.”
Adding fuel to the fire, the House Republicans also highlighted the recent shake-up within the governor’s administration. Governor Hobbs’ budget director resigned, she demoted the director of the Department of Economic Security (DES), and removed her health policy advisor—all actions that Republican lawmakers argue signal a lack of leadership and accountability within the administration.
Instead of collaborating with lawmakers to address the growing concerns, House Republicans claim that Governor Hobbs has deflected blame, choosing to focus on political tactics rather than on solving the issue at hand. They argue that these leadership changes are a direct result of the administration’s inability to manage the program effectively.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Mar 10, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
The Arizona State Senate recently passed a bill aimed at addressing the ongoing shortage of election officers in the state. Senate Bill 1319, sponsored by Senator Tim Dunn (R-25), received strong bipartisan support and is now on its way to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
The bill proposes a change to the current certification process for election officers by allowing certification to occur in even-numbered years, rather than just in odd-numbered years. This adjustment is designed to ensure that Arizona has enough trained personnel to manage elections, particularly in general election years when voter turnout and election complexity tend to be higher.
Arizona law currently requires election officers, clerks of the board of supervisors, or county recorders to hold a valid election officer’s certificate, which is issued by the Secretary of State before January 1 of each general election year. However, the certification process currently only takes place in odd-numbered years, leaving a narrow window to ensure that election officers are adequately prepared for the upcoming election season.
SB 1319 aims to address this issue by shortening the certification window. Under the new legislation, individuals seeking to serve as election officers would be required to obtain their certification before June 1 of even-numbered years, allowing more time for training and preparation before the general elections.
The bill seeks to ensure that election officials have the training they need and that the state is not facing a shortage of qualified election officers by allowing certification in the first half of an election year. This adjustment would also allow for better planning and coordination in advance of elections, making it easier for county officials to recruit and train election officers in a timely manner.
Senator Dunn emphasized the importance of ensuring that Arizona’s election system is well-staffed and efficiently run. “We need to ensure that our election officials are properly trained and certified,” Dunn said. “This bill allows certification for the first six months of an election year instead of in odd years only. When we pursue commonsense solutions, bipartisan election policy is possible, and we can improve and secure the election process for all Arizonans.”
Dunn also praised the bipartisan support the bill received, acknowledging that cooperation across party lines was critical in crafting a solution to this ongoing issue. “I applaud my colleagues in both chambers for coming together and seeing value in this legislation,” he added. “I’m optimistic this bill will make its way to the governor’s desk for signature.”
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Mar 8, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
On Monday, the Arizona State Senate passed two key pieces of legislation aimed at improving the security and integrity of the state’s election system. These bills, which will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration, seek to bolster Arizona’s efforts to prevent election fraud and increase voter confidence in the electoral process.
The two bills, SB 1123 and SB 1063, were sponsored by State Senator Mark Finchem, a vocal advocate for election reform. SB 1123 proposes a series of enhanced security measures to protect ballots from fraud and tampering, while SB 1063 focuses on expanding civic participation in the election process.
SB 1123 is a comprehensive measure that aims to implement a variety of advanced security features on Arizona’s ballots. Under the proposed legislation, election officials would be required to use at least three fraud countermeasures including watermarked security paper, secure holographic foil, and forensic fraud detection security inks, among other possible countermeasures.
According to Senator Finchem, these measures are designed to ensure that every ballot is both secure and verifiable. “Arizonans deserve fair and accurate elections, free from fraud and illegal influence,” said Finchem. “This bill was carefully crafted and is a commonsense solution that will increase voter confidence. By adding these countermeasures to our ballots, we can ensure that every vote is accurately counted, verified, and speaks to citizens and the right to exercise their franchise.”
The proposed security features are intended to make it more difficult for bad actors to manipulate or counterfeit ballots. Proponents of the bill argue that these enhancements are essential for safeguarding Arizona’s elections.
SB 1063, also sponsored by Finchem, offers a unique solution to encourage greater civic engagement. This bill allows jury commissioners to offer qualified jurors, who receive a jury summons between 120 and 90 days before a general election, the option to serve as temporary election workers instead of fulfilling their jury duty obligations.
The idea behind this measure is to increase the number of available election workers during election season, which can often be a logistical challenge. By providing citizens with the choice to participate in either jury duty or election work, the bill aims to create greater oversight during elections and reduce the risk of fraudulent activity.
“Extending civic duty services to allow citizens the choice to participate in jury duty or elections will ensure greater oversight in an effort to deter the schemes pulled by fraudsters,” said Senator Finchem. “Senate Republicans will continue to work in good-faith to provide Arizonans with much-needed reforms to uphold the integrity of our election process.”
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Mar 8, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
The Arizona State Senate recently passed a bipartisan bill that seeks to address the state’s ongoing physician shortage and expand health care access for residents. Senate Bill 1214, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope, allows pharmacists in Arizona to independently administer tests and treatments for certain medical conditions, offering a potential solution to the growing demand for healthcare services.
The legislation, which passed the Senate overwhelmingly, now moves to the Arizona House of Representatives for further consideration. If approved, the bill will empower pharmacists to provide more comprehensive care, including diagnosing and treating common illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, and Strep Throat, as well as offering other preventative treatments.
Arizona has been facing a shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly physicians. This shortage has left communities with limited access to medical care. SB 1214 aims to increase access to basic health services by allowing pharmacists to independently test for and treat certain conditions.
Under the new legislation, pharmacists would be authorized to order, perform, and interpret tests that are FDA-approved and waived under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988. They would also be able to initiate treatment for conditions such as influenza and other illnesses identified by the Department of Health Services (DHS) through a statewide standing order, rule, or executive order.
The bill would also allow pharmacists to work with patients’ primary care providers to ensure continuity of care. This collaborative approach aims to alleviate the burden on physicians while ensuring patients receive timely care, especially in the face of an overburdened healthcare system.
Senator Shope emphasized that the legislation is designed to expand health care options for Arizonans. “This bill is an important step to help ensure Arizonans can receive routine health care services when they need them,” said Shope. “I’ve spoken with many people who desire to go to their local pharmacies for diagnoses and treatments of various illnesses. With this proposal, we give our citizens the choice to expand their health care options.”
Shope also highlighted the qualifications of pharmacists, many of whom are fully trained to perform tests and administer treatments. “It’s a win-win for Arizonans and Arizona pharmacies – many of which have qualified men and women who are fully capable of handling these tests and treatments, especially amid a physician shortage,” Shope explained.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
