by Matthew Holloway | Mar 31, 2026 | Must Read, News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) has opened a formal inquiry into how regulated utilities are using artificial intelligence in system operations, including planning, forecasting, and infrastructure management.
According to a March 24 announcement, Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson initiated the docket titled In the Matter of Researching and Discussing the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to More Efficiently and Reliably Deliver Energy and Water to Customers (Docket No. AU-00000A-26-0060).
Arizona Corporation Commission records show the inquiry directs regulated electric, natural gas, and Class A and Class B water utilities to provide information on their current and potential use of artificial intelligence in operations, including planning and forecasting, storm response, and equipment procurement. The docket also outlines plans for a public workshop later this year to gather input from stakeholders and subject matter experts.
“Our regulated utilities operate energy and water plants and distribution systems that are identified as critical infrastructure for Arizona,” Márquez Peterson said. “Discussions have been occurring frequently at national and regional conferences on the use of AI to automate and improve services. It’s important that our Commission engage in the dialogue surrounding these technological advancements on behalf of our regulated utilities and their ratepayers.”
The docket states that the Commission is seeking information to better understand how artificial intelligence may be used “to more efficiently and reliably deliver energy and water to customers,” while ensuring systems remain secure and resilient.
The proceeding will begin the Commission’s review of how artificial intelligence could be integrated into daily plant operations and distribution systems used by Arizona’s regulated utilities.
As part of the inquiry, utilities are being asked to detail how artificial intelligence is currently used or may be deployed in the future, particularly in areas such as system planning, demand forecasting, response to outages and severe weather events, and infrastructure and equipment procurement.
The Commission stated that the inquiry will also examine how utilities are implementing artificial intelligence to maintain system reliability and protect critical infrastructure.
According to the announcement and docket filing, a workshop will be held before the end of the year to allow stakeholders and subject matter experts to provide input and discuss information submitted into the proceeding.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Mar 28, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ06) to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ensure pay for federal security personnel passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support this week.
According to a press release from Ciscomani’s office, the “Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act (H.R. 8029)” would fund DHS operations and provide pay for personnel, including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, U.S. Coast Guard members, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) employees, Secret Service personnel, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff.
Ciscomani said the bill passed with support from all House Republicans and several Democrats.
“We just voted on my bill, the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act, and it passed with bipartisan support,” Ciscomani said in a video statement released following the vote. “There’s clearly a need and a sign that we have to fund the Department of Homeland Security entirely.”
Ciscomani, who serves as vice chair of the Homeland Security Committee, said he worked on the legislation and that negotiations included members of both parties.
“This bill was negotiated with Democrats until the majority of the Democrats started playing politics with this issue,” Ciscomani said. “That doesn’t pay our TSA agents, our Coast Guard, CISA and cybersecurity, Secret Service, FEMA—the money that Arizona needs, especially during the summer and fires. So this all gets funded in this bill.”
The legislation comes as DHS funding and employee pay have been at issue amid broader federal budget negotiations.
In an opinion column published by the Arizona Daily Star, Ciscomani urged the U.S. Senate to take up the legislation and ensure continued funding for DHS personnel.
In the column, Ciscomani wrote that DHS employees “work every day to keep Americans safe,” and argued that they “should not be used as leverage in political fights in Washington.”
He also called on the Senate to act without delay, writing that lawmakers should “pass this legislation immediately and ensure our homeland defenders receive the pay they have earned.”
The bill now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
“I call on the senators… to pass this immediately,” Ciscomani said. “And I specifically call on the Arizona senators to get this done.”
The measure would provide funding for DHS operations, which include aviation security, border security, disaster response, and cybersecurity efforts.
As of publication, the Senate has not yet taken action on the bill.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Mar 27, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Legislation to expand Arizona’s advanced air mobility framework advanced this week at the state Legislature, with key measures clearing a House committee and moving toward a full House vote.
The bills, sponsored by State Sen. David Farnsworth (R-LD10), were approved by the Arizona House Technology and Infrastructure Committee.
One of the measures, SB 1826, would appropriate $2 million from the state’s advanced air mobility fund to the Arizona Office of Defense Innovation to expand AAM initiatives. The legislation requires the office to enter into a public-private partnership with a qualified entity to support the state’s defense, aerospace, dual-use, and national security sectors.
A second proposal, SB 1549, would define “ultralight vehicle” in statute and incorporate it into Arizona’s broader definition of advanced air mobility, a change intended to ensure emerging aviation technologies are included in long-term planning and regulatory alignment.
“I am optimistic about the outcome of these bills and pleased to see the strong momentum behind them as they move through the House,” Senator Farnsworth said in a statement.
“This has been a priority of mine, and it’s encouraging to see the level of support these measures have received from stakeholders across the state. We’ve had numerous productive meetings as the policy has taken shape, and that collaboration continues to strengthen these efforts as we push towards the finish line.”
The legislation builds on prior efforts by Arizona lawmakers to position the state as a hub for advanced aviation technologies. Farnsworth hosted a February aviation event at the Arizona Capitol, highlighting the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and the state’s role in advancing AAM infrastructure.
That report noted that Arizona has already enacted legislation requiring the Arizona Department of Transportation to incorporate advanced air mobility infrastructure into its statewide aviation plan, including vertiports and charging systems, with a deadline of September 2026.
Advanced air mobility generally refers to next-generation aviation systems that utilize electric or hybrid aircraft, including vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, to transport passengers or cargo in urban and regional environments.
State and local planning efforts have also begun to align with those goals. The City of Phoenix Aviation Department has released a framework outlining how AAM technologies could be integrated into existing airport infrastructure, including operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor, Deer Valley, and Goodyear airports.
Additional legislation considered this session has explored expanding the use of AAM technologies beyond transportation, including potential applications tied to border security operations.
Arizona lawmakers have also appropriated funding in recent years to support AAM planning and development, including directing resources toward statewide aviation planning and infrastructure development tied to emerging aircraft technologies.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Mar 27, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Rep. Juan Ciscomani’s (R-AZ06) support for federal tax and agriculture policy measures are being applauded as Congress continues work on a new Farm Bill and debates the future of expiring tax provisions.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) said Ciscomani backed efforts to double the federal estate tax exemption—commonly referred to by Republicans as the “death tax”—and supported legislation that includes approximately $66 billion in funding for farm safety net programs.
The measures are aimed at helping family farms remain financially viable and allow operations to be passed down to future generations.
“Family farmers are the backbone of this country, and Representative Juan Ciscomani has delivered real results to protect their livelihoods and their legacy,” NRCC spokesperson Ben Petersen said. “While others talk, Representative Ciscomani is taking action to support Arizona’s farmers and producers.”
The statement also criticized Democratic policies, alleging they negatively impact farmers and agricultural producers.
In a related post to X celebrating National Agriculture Day on March 24, Ciscomani said, “Today, we celebrate the incredible contributions of hardworking Arizonans who rise before the sun and work tirelessly to feed America. Your dedication keeps our local communities strong. Thank you for all that you do, today and every day!”
Farm safety net programs, typically addressed through federal Farm Bill legislation, include commodity support, crop insurance, and disaster assistance for agricultural producers.
Federal estate tax policy and agricultural funding have been ongoing points of debate in Congress, particularly as many farm-facing provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expired at the end of 2025 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture .
Ciscomani, who represents Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, has previously supported legislation related to tax relief and agricultural policy and has highlighted support for farmers and ranchers as part of his legislative priorities.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Mar 26, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled that Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes lacked the authority to approve a political party’s name change, invalidating the transition of the No Labels Party of Arizona to the Arizona Independent Party (AIP).
In a ruling issued March 25, Judge Greg Como found that Arizona law does not permit a recognized political party to change its name without completing the statutory process required for ballot access under the new name.
“Arizona does not have a procedure for a party, once formally recognized, to use a different name on the ballot,” the ruling states. “There is no other path for a party to appear on the ballot, under any name … To do so, the party must complete the process of obtaining the required number of valid signatures under the name it seeks to use on the ballot.”
The No Labels Party of Arizona originally qualified for ballot access after gathering the required number of signatures in 2023, allowing it to appear on ballots through the 2026 general election.
In October 2025, the party filed a notification with the Secretary of State’s Office to change its name to the Arizona Independent Party. Fontes approved the request, and the new name was set to take effect in December 2025.
The Secretary of State’s Office then issued guidance directing county recorders to update voter registrations to reflect the new party name.
The Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission, along with the Arizona Democratic Party and Republican Party, filed a lawsuit challenging the name change, arguing that it could create confusion among voters.
In his ruling, Como determined that while the No Labels Party had met statutory requirements to gain recognition, the Arizona Independent Party had not completed the required process for ballot access under that name.
Como reasoned, “When a person signs a petition on behalf of an aspiring party, it is reasonable to infer that they are largely motivated by how the party describes itself, i.e., the party’s name. Would the same 41,000 people who signed petitions to recognize the No Labels Party have signed to support the ‘Arizona Nazi Party’ or the ’Arizona Anarchists’?”
He stated, “By approving a party’s requested name change, without it obtaining the necessary signatures for party recognition, the Secretary permits a political bait and switch. A party can gather signatures using an innocuous-sounding name and then change it to something completely different. If the Secretary is to have such power, it must be prescribed by the Arizona Constitution or state statutes. It is not.”
The judge also found that the Secretary of State did not have the authority to direct how voters are registered with political parties.
“The Secretary does not have statutory authority to dictate which party a voter belongs to,” the ruling states. “The decision belongs to the voter.”
The ruling voided the name change and restored the party’s prior designation under state law.
“The Republican Party of Arizona is grateful for the judge’s ruling in the matter before him, finding Secretary of State Adrian Fontes exceeded his authority and allowed a fraudulent party to appear on the ballot. The judge noted that even Fontes admitted this issue would cause confusion for the voters, but Fontes disregarded that concern and the obvious truth, and proceeded to allow them to continue the charade,” stated AZGOP Chairman Sergio Arellano.
“Secretary Fontes announced he will not appeal this ruling. That is wise, as he has already cost taxpayers too much money, and his effort to sow confusion with this stunt, allowing the No Labels Party to unilaterally change their name to the Arizona Independent Party, has further eroded trust in our election officials at a time when that trust is already at an all-time low,” continued Arellano. “We are pleased that Secretary Fontes recognizes that the voters are a now a priority for him. They have always been a priority for Republicans, and we welcome all of them into our very big tent to usher conservative candidates into office on every level of government this November.”
According to 12News, former Phoenix Mayor and AIP Chairman Paul Johnson said via text message that he intends to appeal the ruling. Secretary Fontes said on social media that he would not join the appeal.
“I acted in favor of the law as I saw it,” Fontes said. “Considering the fast approach of the election and the challenging job election administrators have before them, we will not participate in an appeal.”
Axios reported that Johnson said he believes that the 11 candidates who qualified for AIP will be permitted to run under the No Labels name pending appeal. However, he told the outlet he suspects Arizona’s Democratic and Republican parties will challenge this, adding, “They hate us existing.”
The case stems from broader disputes over election procedures and ballot access in Arizona, where multiple lawsuits have been filed in recent years over the administration of elections and political party recognition.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
