by Ethan Faverino | Jun 16, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Legislation sponsored by Sen. David Gowan (R-LD19) that would significantly change how photo radar violations are enforced in Arizona has cleared the Legislature and now awaits the governor’s decision.
Senate Bill 1624, which was transmitted to the Governor last week, seeks to limit financial penalties associated with most photo radar violations while preventing those citations from affecting a driver’s insurance rates or driving privileges.
Under the legislation, individuals found responsible for a civil traffic violation resulting from a photo enforcement system would face a maximum civil penalty of $75. The cap would apply to most photo radar violations but would not affect existing penalties for red-light violations or school-crossing violations. Of the penalty collected, $15 would be directed to Arizona’s Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund.
“Arizonans are tired of being treated like an ATM by photo radar systems,” stated Senator Gowan. “For years, these cameras have generated frustration because they often feel more focused on collecting revenue than improving public safety. A photo radar ticket should not carry the same consequences as an interaction with a law enforcement officer who can evaluate the circumstances, exercise judgment, and make a real determination about what occurred.”
The bill also contains several provisions designed to limit the long-term consequences of automated traffic enforcement citations. State agencies would be prohibited from considering qualifying photo radar violations when determining whether a driver’s license should be suspended or revoked.
Courts would be barred from transmitting records of those violations to the Arizona Department of Transportation, and insurance companies would be prohibited from using the violations to establish rates, determine insurability, cancel coverage, or refuse policy renewals.
“SB 1624 restores some common sense to the system by limiting excessive penalties and preventing these automated citations from being used to raise insurance rates or jeopardize a person’s driving privileges,” added Gowan. “This bill protects drivers from unfair consequences while maintaining accountability for legitimate traffic violations. Arizona families deserve a system that is fair, reasonable, and focused on safety—not one that treats every camera flash as an opportunity to extract more money from hardworking taxpayers.”
If signed into law, SB 1624 would establish a statewide framework limiting the use of photo radar citations in insurance and licensing decisions while maintaining existing enforcement standards for red-light and school-zone violations.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
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 Ethan Faverino | Mar 26, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
The Arizona Senate has passed a comprehensive package of transportation bills designed to enhance roadway safety, improve mobility, reduce congestion, and support long-term economic development across the state.
The measures, which advance critical infrastructure projects in both rural and urban areas, were approved this week without raising taxes or imposing new fees on Arizona drivers.
The legislation targets high-priority corridors experiencing pressure from population growth, increased freight traffic, and tourism demand. Key components of the package include targeted safety and capacity improvements on several major routes.
SB 1062, sponsored by Senator Wendy Rogers (R-LD7), appropriates $1,000,000 from the state general fund for FY26-27 to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The funding will support planning, design, construction, and right-of-way acquisition for an additional left-turn lane and related intersection improvements at the busy intersection of U.S. Route 60 and Superstition Mountain Drive in Pinal County. These enhancements aim to ease traffic flow and improve safety along this heavily traveled corridor.
SB 1063, also sponsored by Senator Rogers, allocates $11,100,000 for critical safety improvements on U.S. Route 70 between Mile Post 225 and Mile Post 301. This rural route serves commuters, freight operators, and emergency services in eastern Arizona. The project addresses longstanding roadway deficiencies to enhance travel reliability and safety for users across the region.
SB 1064, another measure sponsored by Senator Rogers, appropriates $3,000,000 from the state general fund in FY26-27 to the Arizona Department of Transportation for distribution to the City of Flagstaff. The funding will support the design and construction of improvements along U.S. Route 66 between I-40 and Milton Road. Under the bill, the Department of Transportation must enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Flagstaff by September 15, 2026, and, if executed, distribute funds to the city by November 1, 2026. The project will help modernize infrastructure along one of northern Arizona’s busiest tourism and business corridors.
“Transportation is about safety, mobility, and economic opportunity,” stated Senator Rogers. “These projects address real pressure points on our highways, keep traffic moving, and support the continued growth of communities across Arizona.”
SB 1204, sponsored by Senator Janae Shamp (R-LD29), provides $5,500,000 for planning and environmental analysis for future interchange improvements at the intersection of U.S. Route 60 and Loop 303 in the rapidly growing West Valley. The area continues to see significant residential expansion and rising freight traffic.
“The West Valley is growing at an incredible pace, and our infrastructure has to keep up,” stated Senator Shamp. “This project prepares one of our most important corridors for the traffic we know is coming, improving daily commutes while supporting job growth and regional commerce, as well as preventing traffic fatalities.”
SB 1455, sponsored by Senate Appropriations, Transportation & Technology Committee Chair David Farnsworth (R-LD10), appropriates $500,000 for surveying, design, and study work on the future extension of State Route 24 east of Ironwood Drive in the East Valley—one of Arizona’s fastest growing regions.
“As families and businesses continue moving into the East Valley, transportation planning has to look ahead, not behind,” stated Senator Farnsworth. “Extending SR 24 will strengthen regional connectivity, reduce future congestion, and ensure infrastructure keeps pace with responsible growth.”
The measures now move to the Arizona House as part of the ongoing state budgeting process.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Dec 18, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona state Rep. Nick Kupper (R-LD25) has introduced legislation that would allow higher speed limits on certain rural interstate highways, citing roadway design, safety data, and differences between urban and rural driving conditions.
House Bill 2059, known as the Reasonable and Prudent Interstate Driving (RAPID) Act, would give the Arizona Department of Transportation authority to designate limited stretches of rural interstates as “derestricted” speed zones for non-commercial vehicles during daylight hours. The proposal maintains an 80-mile-per-hour maximum speed limit at night and preserves existing laws addressing unsafe or reckless driving.
Under the bill, ADOT would determine which highway segments qualify based on engineering studies, roadway design standards, and historical safety records. The legislation also increases civil penalties for drivers who misuse the derestricted zones, including those who engage in aggressive or dangerous driving behavior.
The measure requires annual safety audits of any approved segments and directs ADOT to coordinate enforcement efforts with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. In addition, the bill calls for a public education campaign to ensure drivers understand expectations in derestricted zones, including proper lane use and passing rules.
The proposal would begin with a one-year pilot program on a segment of Interstate 8. Any continuation or expansion would depend on safety outcomes and compliance with the bill’s requirements.
“Most drivers can tell the difference between a crowded city freeway and a wide-open stretch of rural interstate,” Kupper said in a statement. “The RAPID Act accounts for that difference. It will let us raise speeds where it’s safe, keep tough penalties for reckless driving, and update our laws to reflect how people actually use these roads.”
Kupper pointed to Montana’s former “reasonable and prudent” daytime speed standard as a precedent. According to a review by Montana’s Legislative Audit Division, average speeds increased after posted daytime limits were removed, but crash and fatality rates per vehicle mile traveled continued to decline and remained comparable to neighboring states. The audit concluded that factors such as seatbelt use and driver behavior had a greater effect on safety outcomes than posted speed limits alone.
“Montana showed that you can modernize speed laws without sacrificing safety,” Kupper said. “When rules are clear and focused on driver behavior, states can let safe highways operate as they were designed to operate.”
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Jun 27, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
After 28 years, the sound of passenger trains arriving in Phoenix could return as soon as 2030. The Federal Railroad Administration has approved the essential scoping documents that will allow the Arizona Department of Transportation to create a Service Development Plan, completing the first stage of the Phoenix-Tucson Intercity Passenger Rail Corridor Study.
The effort will propose passenger rail service along a 158-mile corridor between the greater Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas and will include re-routing the Amtrak Sunset Limited back through Phoenix according to ADOT.
According to Federal Railroad Administration’s FY22 Corridor Identification and Development Program Selections, “The proposed corridor would reconnect Phoenix (Buckeye) to Tucson, AZ, with multiple daily frequencies. The proposed corridor would reinstate service on an existing alignment over which Amtrak discontinued service in 1997, rerouting the long-distance Sunset Limited to a more southerly alignment through Maricopa, AZ (the corridor would use the same route as the existing Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle between Picacho and Tucson, AZ). The corridor sponsor would enter Step 1 of the program to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing, completing, or documenting its service development plan.”
Step 1, as described by the 2022 document, has now been completed.
The Sunset Limited Route, and Amtrak service overall, was diverted from Phoenix following the attack that resulted in the derailment of the train at 1:35 a.m. on October 9, 1995, near Palo Verde, Arizona, 70-miles southwest of Phoenix.
The infamous derailment caused the death of an Amtrak employee and serious injuries to 12 others, along with minor injuries to 100 of the 258 passengers aboard. It remains one of the most famous cold cases in FBI history with no suspects despite a $310,000 reward still offered by several agencies for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the attacker.
Since 1997, Phoenix has remained disconnected from the Amtrak Intercity Rail system with riders required to use buses or drive to the Amtrak depot in Maricopa, Arizona, 38-miles to the south, or about an hour’s drive in traffic.
Democrat Congressman and former Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton hailed the announcement in a post to X writing, “I’ve been fighting to restore Amtrak service to Phoenix for a long time, and today it’s one step closer to becoming a reality.”
In a written statement, current Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs commented, “This is a big step forward for Arizona. I am committed to creating a bright transportation future for our state that fosters economic growth, creates jobs and expands transit opportunities for working people and families.”
The second stage of the process, the creation of a Service Development Plan, is expected to take two to three years after a crucial federal grant is approved, which is anticipated in the weeks to come per ADOT. The study, already funded with a $10.6 million budget, will include technical analysis of “capital and service requirements for passenger rail service; preliminary engineering and costs for capital improvements, such as stations, parking lots and trains; station locations; [and] service scenarios based on ridership potential.”
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.
