The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has sent a letter to Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap regarding preparations for in-person early voting for the upcoming July Primary Election, urging cooperation to ensure sufficient voting locations, staff, and equipment are in place.
In a joint statement dated Feb. 24, 2026, Board Chair Kate Brophy McGee and Vice Chair Debbie Lesko said the board delivered the letter to Recorder Heap now that his office “oversees that important function.”
The supervisors emphasized that “big decisions need to be made in short order” to guarantee that in-person early voting is adequately staffed and resourced for the 27-day early voting period prescribed by state law.
The letter requests that Heap provide the “same level of service that Maricopa County voters have come to expect in past years, when the Board oversaw in-person early voting.” The supervisors wrote that this includes a “large number of sites spread out evenly and fairly across our county” during the early voting period.
NEW: BOS sets a 2/27 deadline for Recorder to say if he intends to partner with @maricopavote to provide in-person early voting in 2026. His decision will have a big impact on voters, candidates, ballot measures. Statement below from Chair @katemcgeeaz and Vice Chair @DebbieLeskopic.twitter.com/igMJLMyVU3
Brophy McGee and Lesko also asked whether the recorder would collaborate with the board’s elections department, which they described as “staffed, resourced, and experienced in this area.”
According to the Board’s Feb. 24 statement, the letter followed a court filing by Recorder Heap in which he indicated he was willing to cooperate on logistical issues. Supervisors also said they had sent a staff-level communication outlining key decisions that must be made to meet statutory deadlines.
The board approved a requested $550,000 budget increase for the Recorder’s Office, earmarked for signature verification efforts. “Signature verification is under the complete and total control of the recorder,” Brophy McGee stated in a press release on Wednesday regarding the $550,000 increase. “While we have questions about the recorder’s new process, we will proceed with the recorder’s budget requests to ensure sufficient resources are in place by the 2026 primary. Our top goal is fair and secure elections.”
The supervisors gave Heap until Friday to respond to the board’s letter so that preparations can proceed in advance of statutory deadlines for the July Primary. The statement concludes that if the recorder does not respond, the board will assume he can manage in-person early voting “without our help.”
In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s February decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, which held that the International Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the President to impose tariffs, Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Chairman David Schweikert (AZ-01) issued a statement encouraging a shift toward a more stable and growth-oriented tax framework.
In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court invalidated sweeping tariffs imposed under IEEPA, concluding that the statute does not grant the executive branch authority to levy import duties. The Court reaffirmed that Congress holds constitutional authority over tariffs and taxation, rejecting arguments that IEEPA’s provisions governing economic measures during national emergencies extend to imposing duties.
Chairman Schweikert emphasized the broader implications for America’s tax system amid rising federal spending. “As our nation’s spending continues to grow, we must be honest about the math,” he stated. “To sustain essential programs and protect our fiscal health, we need a tax system that produces stable, predictable receipts without stifling growth. Today’s ruling underscores the uncertainty in our current tax framework, uncertainty that limits investment, hiring, and innovation.”
Schweikert advocated for transitioning to a border-adjusted, destination-based cash flow tax (DBCFT) as a superior alternative to tariffs for promoting domestic production and economic competitiveness. “To bring greater stability and competitiveness to our economy, and address tax arbitrage arising from other countries’ tax policies, I believe the U.S. should move toward a border-adjusted, destination-based cash flow tax. In line with the goals of tariffs, a DBCFT supports U.S.-based production and American workers. But tariffs distort markets and reduce overall output. A destination-based cash flow tax achieves these same objectives through a more economically rational, growth-oriented framework.”
He highlighted key advantages of the DBCFT, including immediate deductions for business investments to encourage reinvestment and growth, taxation based on where goods are consumed rather than where they are produced, and border adjustments that tax imports while exempting exports.
This approach, Schweikert noted, discourages offshoring, provides businesses with predictability for long-term planning, and helps ensure stable tax revenues to support increasing federal expenditures.
“I will be holding a hearing on this important topic in the coming weeks,” he added. “America’s long-term prosperity hinges on our ability to keep U.S. companies competitive both at home and globally. A destination-based cash flow tax strengthens that foundation.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
While Democratic elected officials invited illegal aliens to the State of the Union (SOU) on Tuesday, Republicans invited Americans victimized by illegal aliens.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notified the public on social media that certain elected representatives were planning to bring illegal aliens as their guests.
“Democrats are once again prioritizing illegal aliens above the safety of American citizens,” stated DHS.
Sen. John Hickenlooper invited Caroline Dias Goncalves, an illegal alien brought illegally into the country as a child now residing on an expired visa; Rep. Seth Moulton invited Marcelo Gomes da Silva, another illegal alien brought illegally into the country as a child and residing on an expired visa; and Sen. Chuck Schumer brought the mother of a detained illegal alien, Dylan Josue Lopez Contreras.
We are not the same.
While Republicans are bringing victims of crimes committed by illegal criminal aliens to the State of the Union, some Democrats in Congress are planning to bring ILLEGAL ALIENS.
Democrats are once again prioritizing illegal aliens above the safety of… https://t.co/ikRZ0Vy5ZX
Ahead of the SOU, the Republican Study Committee (RSC) held a press conference addressing the consequences of softened immigration policies.
Rep. Abe Hamadeh opened the press conference to discuss his American Border Story Memorial Act (H.R. 6643), to establish a memorial in D.C. for victims of illegal alien crime.
“It seems like we’re forgetting about the people who have been victimized by illegal alien crime, and instead focusing on what the leftist media wants to focus on the news of the day,” said Hamadeh.
Also present was the American Border Story, which advocates for angel families: those who lost loved ones to crimes committed by illegal aliens. Nicole Kiprilov, executive director, supported Hamadeh’s bill to establish the memorial.
“We will never stop fighting until there isn’t a single family who doesn’t have to endure this devastating loss, ever again,” said Kipperlove.
🚨 LIVE NOW: RSC Press Conference – The Real Cost of Democrat Policies https://t.co/MbxJAS9uG5
Among those angel moms who spoke were Alaska resident Sandy Snodgrass, who lost her son Robert Bruce Snodgrass to fentanyl in 2021; California resident Agnes Gibboney, who lost her son Ronald de Silva to a shooting from a known illegal alien gang member in 2002; and Missouri resident Boni Driskill, who lost her daughter Lacy Marie Ferguson to a drive-by shooting committed by illegal aliens in 2003.
On Monday, President Donald Trump designated Feb. 22 as “Angel Family Day.” In attendance as guests of honor were families of those slain by illegal aliens.
“If you’ve lived the nightmare that we have lived, you understand the importance of the job that he is doing in securing our nation and fighting for our families,” said Riley.
Among Trump’s guests to the SOTU was Dalilah Coleman, a first-grader injured in a car accident caused by an illegal alien driving with a CDL. Trump encouraged Congress to pass the “Delilah Law,” to prohibit states from issuing CDLs to illegal aliens.
During the SOTU, Trump also brought up the 2023 murder of Texas teenager Lizbeth Medina. Medina’s killer, Rafael Romero, was an illegal alien. Medina’s mother, Jacqueline, was also in attendance at the SOTU.
“We’re getting [illegal aliens] the hell out of here fast, we don’t want ‘em,” said Trump. “The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”
Trump announced that “zero” illegal aliens were admitted to the country in the last three months.
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Arizona House Concurrent Resolution 2048, sponsored by State Representative Michael Way (R-LD15), passed the Arizona House Government Committee last week in a party-line vote and now heads to the full Arizona House of Representatives.
HCR 2048 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit salary increases for elected state officers from taking effect during their current term. It would also require legislators, the Governor, and other statewide executive officers to forgo regular salaries and subsistence payments if the general appropriation bill is not signed into law by April 30.
The measure states that compensation withheld during a budget delay would not be paid retroactively. Salaries would resume with the first full pay period after the budget becomes law.
Rep. Way’s ‘No Budget, No Pay’ Resolution Advances Out of House Government Committee
“If we do not pass a budget on time, we should not get paid. It is that simple. Arizonans are expected to meet deadlines in their jobs. Lawmakers should be held to that same standard. If we fail… pic.twitter.com/B8cJc9ZUDJ
“If we do not pass a budget on time, we should not get paid. It is that simple,” Way said in a statement. “Arizonans are expected to meet deadlines in their jobs. Lawmakers should be held to that same standard. If we fail to finish the budget by April 30, there should be consequences.”
The resolution is described as complementing House Concurrent Resolution 2005, introduced by Rep. Justin Wilmeth (R-LD2), which would require the Legislature to adjourn its regular session by April 30.
“Deadlines matter,” Way said. “Families and businesses across Arizona operate on them every day. State government should do the same.”
If approved by the full Legislature, HCR 2048 would be referred to Arizona voters at the next general election.
Way represents Legislative District 15, which includes Mesa and Queen Creek in Maricopa County and San Tan Valley in Pinal County.
Arizona House lawmakers advanced a package of Department of Child Safety (DCS) reform bills following a special oversight hearing led by House Committee on Government Chairman Walt Blackman (R-LD6) and Vice Chair Lisa Fink (R-LD27).
The Feb. 19 hearing focused on legislative oversight and proposed structural reforms to the state’s child welfare system. According to reporting from State Affairs, several of the measures discussed during the hearing have since advanced through committee and moved forward in the legislative process.
Blackman and Fink convened the hearing at 1:00 p.m., with lawmakers reviewing testimony and examining proposals addressing accountability, placement stability, child protection procedures, and oversight mechanisms within DCS.
In a news release, Blackman stated, “Arizona’s child safety system exists for one reason: to protect children. When the state takes custody, there is no room for excuses. This hearing is about accountability and enforceable change. We will put facts on the record, press for answers, and advance reforms that put child safety ahead of bureaucracy.”
🚨 DCS ALERT 🚨
🚨 LIVE DCS HEARING – GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT 🚨
As Chairman, I will convene a LIVE oversight hearing on the Department of Child Services (DCS), focused on the safety and well-being of children in DCS custody.
— Chairman Walt Blackman LD7 Representative (@BlackmanForAZ) February 19, 2026
Vice Chair Fink said lawmakers would examine how DCS responds to abuse reports, how placements are selected and monitored, and why “preventable failures keep reoccurring.” She added, “We are advancing reforms that strengthen kinship care, raise standards in group settings, and require action when credible abuse is reported.”
Reform Measures Advance
Six reform-related bills were advanced by the House committee amid continued scrutiny of foster care oversight.
HB 2035 (Fink): Expands eligibility for kinship placement, requires timely identification and notice to relatives and significant connections, and increases transparency when kinship placement is denied.
HB 2041 (Fink): Clarifies that a parent’s inability to provide basic necessities based solely on lack of financial resources should not be treated as neglect.
HB 2611 (Blackman): Establishes enhanced safety requirements for group care settings, including employee screening and training standards, and protections focused on youth safety and continuity of care.
HB 2860 (Blackman): Creates an independent oversight committee to review DCS performance and critical incidents, including reporting requirements and dedicated funding for oversight operations.
HB 4004 (Keshel): Requires DCS to respond to credible abuse or neglect reports and prohibits screen-outs when an alleged abusive parent has parenting time or legal decision-making authority.
HB 4049 (Fink): Adds DCS to the list of agencies exempt from restrictions on employing legal counsel outside the Attorney General’s Office.
The Arizona Department of Child Safety has faced sustained legislative scrutiny in recent years related to foster placements, case management workloads, and agency oversight following a series of tragic deaths, which led to a Senate investigation in August of 2025. The agency committed to a series of internal reforms during a September 2025 stakeholder meeting convened by State Senator Carine Werner (R-LD4).
The reform bills now move forward in the legislative process for further consideration.
The Arizona House passed a bill increasing prison time for adults who target teenagers with sexual extortion, or “sextortion.”
HB 2666 passed out of the House with unanimous bipartisan support on Monday. The bill increases the penalty for adults who commit sextortion against minors ages 15 through 17 by increasing the offense level from a class 3 to class 2 felony. It also requires sentencing to be consecutive to any other sentence imposed for sextortion.
The bill would prohibit offenders from eligibility for sentencing suspension, probation, pardon, or release from confinement unless the court-imposed sentence has been served or commuted.
Arizona statute already has sextortion of minors under the age of 15 listed as a class 2 felony.
The bill did receive an amendment to address certain concerns by stakeholders.
Vicky Lopez, an attorney with Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice (AACJ), spoke against the bill during its committee hearing. Lopez expressed concerns that the bill as written would provide offenders with an affirmative defense that they didn’t know their victim’s age, and that the bill failed to address the circumstance of both the offender and victim being minors.
The Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network and Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) expressed support for the bill as written. The MCAO said it was against amending the bill.
Rebecca Baker on behalf of the MCAO rejected AACJ’s stance that this bill would provide an affirmative defense, and that minor offenders shouldn’t be held equally accountable.
“We’re talking about coerced conduct. We’re talking about one person forcing another person to have sex, and that’s analogous to sexual assault. I see that very differently than something like sexual conduct with a minor or even exchanging photos openly that are somehow later misused. This is forced conduct,” said Baker. “Regardless of whether the perpetrator is 15, 16, 17, or even 35, it’s still having that same effect on the victim.”
However, legislators who spoke up on the bill during the committee hearing seemed inclined to agree with AACJ. One committee member, Rep. Khyl Powell (R-LD14), agreed that minor offenders needed to have special considerations.
“I want discretion to be given back to judges. If we’re going to protect our juveniles who do something stupid, then we need to open up the door and give back to the judges’ discretion,” said Powell. “If we continue to mandate and we lock in these laws, then we will create additional victims.”
The bill author, Rep. Pamela Carter (R-LD4), said in a press release on Monday that sextortion of minors was an especially heinous type of exploitation that merits a harsher punishment.
“Sexual extortion is hitting Arizona teens hard, and the predators behind it know exactly what they’re doing,” said Carter. “If you prey on teens for money or sexual favors, you should face a class 2 felony and mandatory consecutive prison time. No probation. No shortcuts. No easy way out.”
Sextortion crimes occur often through social media platforms, namely Snapchat, Instagram, and Discord.
One recent case that occurred in Arizona concerned a ringleader of an online violent terror network, 764. The Tucson man arrested for those crimes, Baron Martin, was arrested in December 2024 for committing sextortion against minors. This past October, Martin was indicted on 29 charges.
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