by Ethan Faverino | Feb 21, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
On Wednesday, the Arizona Senate Health and Human Services Committee has advanced SB 1214, the “Arizona Stem Cell Therapy Act.”
The bill, sponsored by Senator Janae Shamp (R-LD29), builds on Arizona’s established status as a “Right to Try” state. SB 1214 introduces comprehensive medical standards and ethical guidelines for stem cell therapies and birth tissue therapies.
The legislation permits physicians to offer certain non-FDA-approved treatments within their scope of practice, provided they adhere to strict requirements on sourcing, transparency, informed consent, and quality control.
“When Arizona patients pursue innovative therapies, they deserve to know treatments are being delivered safely and responsibly,” stated Senator Shamp in a press relase announcing the advancement of the bill. “This legislation puts medical guardrails in place, strengthens transparency, and helps ensure bad actors cannot take advantage of vulnerable people searching for hope. We are promoting access to therapies while making sure patients know they are receiving care that meets recognized medical standards.”
Key provisions of SB 1214 include:
- An explicit prohibition on the use of cells or tissues derived from aborted fetuses or embryos in any stem cell or birth tissue therapy, with willful violations classified as a Class 5 felony and subject to professional discipline.
- Mandates that stem cells and birth tissues come from facilities registered with the FDA or accredited by recognized organizations, such as the American Association of Tissue Banks, the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies, the National Marrow Donor Program, or the World Marrow Donor Association.
- Requirements for post-thaw viability reports for live stem cells, certificates of analysis for birth tissues (confirming negative tests for communicable diseases and presence of growth factors), and compliance with federal good manufacturing practices.
- Strong informed consent rules, requiring physicians to disclose that treatments are not FDA-approved, outline risks, benefits, alternatives, and encourage consultation with a primary care provider.
- Mandatory advertising disclosures in prominent type: “This notice is required by Arizona law. This physician offers one or more stem cell therapies or birth tissue therapies that are not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. You are encouraged to consult with your primary care provider before undergoing any stem cell therapy or birth tissue therapy.”
- Civil remedies allowing patients harmed by violations to seek $10,000 in statutory damages per violation, plus attorney fees.
Supporters, including medical experts who testified before the committee, stressed that the bill establishes a medical standard of care rather than a political one. They highlighted the clinical use of ethically sourced afterbirth tissues—such as placental or amniotic materials collected during planned C-sections from healthy mothers and deliveries—as a safe, effective approach for regenerative applications.
Healthcare policy expert Brigham Buhler emphasized the sourcing process: “The standard of care is to have a preplanned C-section so that you can get the most out of that tissue. So, healthy birth, healthy mother, pre-planned C-section is how they collect this discarded afterbirth tissue to avoid any cross contaminants. Those tissues, when applied appropriately into the right patient under the right standards of care, can be life changing. I’ve seen it impact soldiers who come back from war. I have seen it impact patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia. We’ve helped orthopedic injuries, knees, shoulders, elbows, soft tissue. The beauty of these products is they’re healing you from within.”
Dr. Pradeep Albert reinforced the medical rationale for excluding aborted tissue: “We don’t use aborted tissue, not from a political point of view, but from a medical point of view. Placenta tissue contains DNA from both the mother and the father, which helps regenerate soft tissue. There is no country on the planet that uses aborted tissue for regenerative stem cell therapies, like injections into joints, because it can cause tumors and other serious problems.”
The bill now advances to the Senate floor for further consideration.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Feb 21, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) released a new installment of its “Inside the Majority” video series spotlighting Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ06) on Wednesday. Ciscomani’s Southern Arizona district is rated a “Toss-Up” by the Cook Political Report ahead of the 2026 election.
The NRCC describes the series as highlighting Republican members viewed as critical to maintaining GOP control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The episode featuring Ciscomani is available on YouTube and on X:
Arizona’s 6th Congressional District is considered one of the most competitive House races in the country. The Cook Political Report currently rates the district as a “Toss-Up,” reflecting its narrow partisan split.
Ciscomani first won the seat in 2022 by approximately 1.5 percentage points after the district flipped from Democratic to Republican control. He was reelected in 2024 by roughly 2.5 percentage points, increasing his margin and adding more than 5,000 votes to his prior total.
Ciscomani is currently the only declared Republican candidate in the race and was endorsed by President Donald Trump in an April 2025 post to Truth Social. The President wrote, “Congressman Juan Ciscomani is a Tremendous Champion for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District! As a Member of the POWERFUL Appropriations Committee, Juan is fighting hard to Secure the Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Vets, Support our Great Law Enforcement, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Juan Ciscomani has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!”
In the video, Ciscomani discusses his immigration background and legislative priorities.
“My name is Juan Ciscomani and I was born in Mexico,” Ciscomani says in the segment. “I immigrated with my family when I was 11 years old, and then, after a long process, became a U.S. citizen along with my family back in 2006. Sixteen years after becoming a U.S. citizen, I became a member of the United States Congress.”
Ciscomani references his first bill to pass the House, which focused on expediting veterans’ disability claims and expanding workforce opportunities for transitioning service members.
He also highlights the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which he says is intended to prevent scheduled tax increases and expand tax relief provisions.
“The Working Families Tax Cuts Act is having an immediate and enormous impact in the district,” Ciscomani says in the video. “Not only does it avoid the cliff of a lot of taxes going up by the thousands in my district, but it also introduces great ways to have people keep their hard earned money. These are all quick and immediate ways that people will be able to see the benefits of this act.”
According to NRCC materials, the legislation includes provisions related to the Child Tax Credit, the standard deduction, Social Security taxation, tipped wages, overtime pay, and savings accounts.
NRCC spokesman Ben Petersen said Ciscomani’s district is central to the party’s majority strategy.
“Juan Ciscomani embodies what it means to be an effective representative—he shows up, listens and delivers results on the issues that matter most to Arizona families,” Petersen said. “From securing the border to ensuring water reliability and supporting our veterans, Juan has proven he’s a fighter for Arizona.”
Speaking to his motivations for serving in Congress, Ciscomani observed, “When I look at my kids in the future that I want for them, which is for them to find their path and have a shot at the American dream. What motivates me is my family and all those families out there that I want them to have a real opportunity in this country to go pursue their own version of the American dream. That’s what motivates me, so that we can do what we do here. To have families out there at home can go do what they were called to do.”
When first elected to Congress in 2022, Ciscomani became the first naturalized U.S. citizen born in Mexico elected to represent Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Appropriations Committee and has advocated for federal funding for infrastructure, border security, water projects, and veterans’ services within the district.
According to the most recent Federal Election Commission filings, Ciscomani reported more than $3 million in cash on hand.
The 2026 race in Arizona’s 6th District is expected to draw national attention as both parties compete for control of the narrowly divided U.S. House.
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 Staff Reporter | Feb 20, 2026 | News
By Staff Reporter |
The Republican-led Arizona Senate is advancing legislation aimed at increasing oversight of Gov. Katie Hobbs’ handling of contracts.
On Wednesday, the Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee passed Senate Bill 1186 (SB1186) along party lines: Republicans in support, Democrats against.
State Sen. Mitzi Epstein (D-LD12) said she opposed the bill because it wasn’t “ready for primetime.” Epstein raised a concern that private companies could be impacted under the current way the bill is written. Epstein was the only one to explain her vote.
“Influence peddling is a bad thing, and we want to make sure in all aspects of government, including in this body, that people cannot pay for play,” said Epstein.
The bill would require companies currently holding or vying for state contracts or grants to disclose anything of value provided within the preceding five years to the governor, including anything beneficial provided to campaign or inauguration-related activities or outside organizations supporting or opposing the governor politically.
It would also prohibit state agencies and state employees from destroying any notes taken during evaluation of a company responding to a request for proposal on a state contract or grant. Should any state agency or state employee destroy their notes, any agreed-upon contracts could be solicited again.
Gov. Hobbs remains under legislative investigation over allegations of a “pay-to-play” relationship with Sunshine Residential Homes. That company received a unique rate increase following their donations to Hobbs. This legislation was inspired by that ongoing controversy.
Senate leadership to include President Warren Petersen (R-LD14), President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope (R-LD16), Majority Whip Frank Carroll (R-LD28), and Majority Leader John Kavanagh (R-LD3) all issued statements endorsing the legislation preceding the committee vote.
“State government has a responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are awarded through a fair and competitive process people can trust,” said Petersen. “When billions in public funds are at stake, the rules must be clear, consistent, and focused on delivering the best value for Arizona families.”
“After vetoing our bill last year, the Governor came back this session with her own proposal, but it still leaves the biggest gap untouched,” said Shope. “Her plan focuses on releasing information after contracts are awarded. Our bill requires transparency before decisions are made, when it actually matters.”
“The scandals we’ve seen show what happens when government oversight fails,” said Carroll. “When billions of taxpayer dollars are being spent, mistakes or favoritism don’t just stay inside government, they affect services families rely on and erode public confidence.”
“Arizona’s contracting laws were written for a different era and leave gaps that agencies can’t effectively police today,” said Kavanagh. “SB 1186 modernizes the rules by setting clear disclosure standards and establishing enforceable safeguards that strengthen the contracting process itself.”
Earlier this month the bipartisan advisory team put together by the Republican-led Arizona House brought on outside counsel from out of state for an independent investigation of the connection between Hobbs and Sunshine Residential Homes. The counsel, Justin Smith, is representing President Donald Trump in his defamation lawsuit against E. Jean Carroll; Smith’s law group was founded by Trump’s solicitor general, D. John Sauer.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Feb 20, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Attorneys with the Goldwater Institute are scheduled to appear in Maricopa County Superior Court at 10 a.m. Friday for a hearing in their lawsuit challenging water policy changes implemented by the administration of Katie Hobbs.
The case, filed in January 2025 on behalf of the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, contests new requirements adopted by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) affecting groundwater supply determinations in parts of Maricopa County.
The Goldwater Institute said the policy changes have halted approvals for new housing developments in certain areas of the Phoenix metropolitan region, including portions of Queen Creek and Buckeye.
Under Arizona law, homebuilders in designated Active Management Areas must obtain a certificate demonstrating a 100-year assured water supply before beginning construction.
Goldwater’s lawsuit challenges a policy change announced by ADWR in November 2024. It contends that the department adopted a new framework based on what it describes as “unmet demand,” which it says is not referenced in Arizona statute.
Goldwater penned a letter to the ADWR one month later, urging the agency to reconsider its “AMA Wide Unmet Demand Rule,” asserting that the new rule was in violation of the law, having been imposed without legislative approval or via the required rulemaking process.
ADWR has defended its authority to interpret and apply groundwater modeling within the state’s assured water supply program. The department has not publicly characterized the policy as a formal rulemaking.
The Maricopa County Superior Court previously denied ADWR’s motion to dismiss the case, allowing the lawsuit to proceed.
During Friday’s hearing, attorneys for Goldwater are expected to ask Judge Scott Blaney to enter judgment in favor of the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona.
The case is being heard at the Maricopa County Superior Court, East Building, located at 101 W. Jefferson Street in Phoenix.
In a statement, Goldwater Institute Vice President for Litigation Jon Riches said: “Decisions on vital statewide concerns like the availability of affordable housing and the responsible stewardship of our natural resources should be made through a transparent, democratic process—not imposed by executive fiat.”
Additional information about the case is available on the Goldwater Institute’s website. No ruling is expected at the time of the hearing.
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 Ethan Faverino | Feb 20, 2026 | Education, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at preventing disruptions to public school operations by prohibiting teacher strikes and coordinated work stoppages, while tying state funding more closely to in-person classroom instruction.
House Education Committee Chairman Matt Gress (R-LD4) and Senate Education Committee Chairman Hildy Angius (R-LD30) are advancing the proposal as a striker amendment to House Bill 2313.
The measure would make it unlawful for teachers in Arizona public school districts and charter schools to engage in strikes or any organized efforts to halt work against their employers.
Teachers who participate in such collective actions would forfeit key employment protections, including civil service status, reemployment rights, and benefits or privileges associated with their public school positions. These penalties would apply only to group participation in strikes or work stoppages—individual employment decisions or absences would not be affected.
“Taxpayers fund instruction delivered in classrooms,” stated Rep. Gress in a press release announcing the striker. “When adults coordinate mass callouts to shut down campuses, that is a strike in practice. It robs students of instructional time and throws working parents into chaos. Public schools exist to educate children. If someone organizes a work stoppage, they should not retain the privileges and protections of public employment. If regular school days are moved online because of coordinated political action, funding must reflect that.”
In addition, the bill directs the Arizona Department of Education to cut down a school’s base support funding when remote instruction increases as a direct result of an organized work stoppage. The legislation includes safeguards for schools operating under approved alternative instructional models, full-time online programs, or during declared emergencies.
Lawmakers say the proposal is a response to events in late January, when thousands of teachers and staff members in Tucson called out sick in connection with a nationwide protest. This action led to the temporary closure of around 20 campuses in the Tucson Unified School District, disrupting student learning and creating challenges for families.
“Parents should not wake up to closed campuses because of organized protests,” added Senator Angius. “The Tucson closures showed how a coordinated call-in can shut down learning overnight. This legislation restores accountability and stability for families and keeps the focus where it belongs, on students in seats and classrooms open.”
Consideration of the striker amendment to HB 2313 is expected soon.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Feb 19, 2026 | News
By Staff Reporter |
The Arizona Republican Party is picking sides in the ongoing spat between the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and County Recorder Justin Heap.
The party’s new chair, Sergio Arellano, issued a press release on Tuesday commending Supervisor Mark Stewart for speaking out against the rest of the board for their posturing to oust Heap from office.
“I appreciate those Republicans who are able to ignore the rancor being generated by those outside the process, and who are willing to listen to the voices of those of us who want a solution that unites Republicans behind the proposition that Arizona voters deserve a process that respects their choices, and that the power of the people, exercised through their vote, prevails and is honored,” said Arellano.
Arellano advised voters to focus on the merits of policy over the noise of personal conflicts in the matter; the chair agreed with Stewart that Heap should have full restoration of elections administration duties under the Shared Services Agreement (SSA).
“Ignore the fake news and those who are intent on whipping up hysteria to further their own personal ambition, but we as a Party must deliver on real and effective reform and restore full faith in our elections,” said Arellano. “Recorder Heap must be allowed to do his job and then he must do it properly. The same goes for our County Supervisors. I am grateful to Supervisor Stewart for seeking a path that accomplishes all of this and encourage everyone involved to follow his lead and reach an agreement of which we might all be proud.”
The board ordered Heap to appear on Wednesday to provide a report and testify on his administration and allegations of voter disenfranchisement made by his office.
It is the latest escalation in the public spat between the two over who has primary control over elections via the SSA. The current SSA, all but gutting the recorder’s office of elections duties, was put in place by a “lame duck” recorder, Stephen Richer, and board majority in their final months in office. After Heap failed to convince the board to reverse course on that SSA, Heap sued last summer.
Supervisor Stewart announced on Monday that he sought outside legal counsel to negotiate with Heap over the SSA, since the board and recorder’s office appear to have hit a stalemate.
Stewart retained counsel after failing to receive a response to his request to postpone Wednesday’s meeting from Chair Kate Brophy McGee. The supervisor said all members of the board ought to have additional time to consult with counsel about negotiations with Heap.
“My counsel requires additional time to fully evaluate the issues raised, assess the scope and legal basis for the required direct report, and advise me accordingly. Proceeding before that review is complete would not allow me to participate in the discussion or any potential vote with the preparation and confidence that such a consequential action demands,” said Stewart. “Out of respect for the institution, the Recorder’s Office, and most importantly, the residents we serve, I believe it is prudent to delay consideration of this item until all members of the Board have had sufficient opportunity to consult with counsel and fully assess the implications.”
Stewart also denounced the possibility of Heap’s removal should he refuse to show on Wednesday.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
