by Matthew Holloway | Apr 1, 2026 | Economy, News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Goldwater Institute hosted a delegation of Missouri policymakers in Phoenix to discuss economic competitiveness, innovation, and pro-growth policy, according to a joint release.
The meeting focused on Arizona’s approach to building a competitive environment for emerging industries and long-term economic growth.
The discussion followed the Chamber’s recent launch of its AZ AI Leadership Initiative, which aims to strengthen Arizona’s position in emerging technologies and the broader digital economy.
Arizona has seen rapid expansion in AI and data center infrastructure, driven by growing demand for computing power and cloud services. Major investments from companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which is constructing advanced semiconductor fabrication facilities in Phoenix, along with large-scale data center developments by Google and Meta Platforms in Mesa, and Amazon Web Services in Goodyear, have helped position the state as an emerging hub for both semiconductor production and AI-related computing capacity.
Participants included legislative leaders, policy experts, and representatives from the Arizona Commerce Authority, who shared insights into the state’s policy framework and economic development strategies.
“Arizona’s growth didn’t happen by accident,” said Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “It reflects deliberate policy choices that prioritize certainty, competitiveness, and a regulatory environment where businesses can invest, innovate, and scale.”
Arizona lawmakers participating in the meeting included House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-LD29), Majority Leader Michael Carbone (R-LD25), Rep. Jeff Weninger (R-LD13), Rep. Justin Wilmeth (R-LD2), chair of the House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee, Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope (R-LD16), and Senate Majority Whip Frank Carroll (R-LD28).
“Arizona has made a conscious decision to lead on innovation rather than wait for other states to set the pace,” Montenegro said. “That kind of alignment and forward-looking policy environment allows industries to grow and scale here.”
Lawmakers and policy leaders highlighted sectors including advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, aerospace, autonomous systems, and emerging technologies as areas where Arizona has seen sustained growth.
“Arizona’s success in attracting major investment is tied directly to our focus on advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and supply chain strength,” Carbone said.
Weninger pointed to Arizona’s regulatory and tax structure as a factor in business investment.
“Companies are looking for certainty,” Weninger said. “Arizona’s predictable regulatory environment and competitive tax structure give businesses the confidence to invest and expand.”
Participants also discussed the role of infrastructure, water policy, and land use in supporting statewide growth. “We’ve been intentional about making sure economic development isn’t concentrated in one region,” Shope said.
Carroll said Arizona’s approach to economic development has positioned the state for continued expansion, particularly in emerging industries.
Wilmeth emphasized the importance of flexibility in regulating new technologies. “We’ve taken a thoughtful approach to emerging technologies by avoiding premature regulation,” he said.
Victor Riches, president and CEO of the Goldwater Institute, said policy certainty and deregulation remain key factors in supporting innovation.
“As emerging technologies continue to reshape industries, policy certainty and deregulation matter more than ever,” Riches said. “Arizona needs to ensure an environment where innovation can move forward.”
The Missouri delegation included state senators and policy advisors, including Sen. Travis Fitzwater, Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, Sen. Karla May, Sen. Barbara Anne Washington, Sen. Jamie Burger, policy advisor to Gov. Mike Kehoe, Johnathan Shifflett, and representatives from the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Karen Buschmann, and Jared Hankinson.
The meeting explored how elements of Arizona’s economic policy framework could be adapted in other states and how interstate collaboration could support broader economic growth.
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 12, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
In a move to protect Arizona’s land, critical infrastructure, and national security, Senate Republicans have passed legislation tightening restrictions on foreign adversaries seeking to acquire interests in state real property or install surveillance-related equipment. SB 1683, sponsored by Majority Whip Frank Carroll (R-LD28), advanced through the Senate on a narrow 18-12 vote last week.
The bill heads to the House for further consideration.
The bill amends ARS § 33-443 to close loopholes that could allow foreign adversary nations or their agents to indirectly control Arizona land or infrastructure through complex ownership structures.
“National security doesn’t stop at our borders; it includes our networks, infrastructure, land, and the systems Arizonans rely on every day,” stated Carroll. “Hostile threats are growing more advanced, more aggressive, and more dangerous – ignoring that reality would be irresponsible.”
Key provisions of SB 1683 include:
- Lowering the threshold for a “substantial interest” in real property from 30% to 15%, calculated as if any contingent interests held by foreign adversaries are exercised, to prevent hidden ownership stakes.
- Prohibiting foreign adversary nations or agents from directly or indirectly purchasing, owning, leasing, acquiring concessions, or obtaining substantial interests in Arizona real property. This covers transactions granting physical access, exclusion rights, development capabilities, or the ability to attach fixed structures.
- Banning the installation, maintenance, data access, or operation of equipment such as uncrewed/autonomous systems, antennas, communications systems, surveillance devices, or high-sensitivity sensors on Arizona property—whether permanent, temporary, physical, or embedded.
- Prohibiting evasion tactics, including the use of shell companies, intermediaries, partnerships, trusts, or restricting to obscure beneficial ownership or maintain functional control.
- Requiring public utilities, telecommunications providers, critical infrastructure owners, and government agencies to report suspected leases, licenses, or colocation agreements that may allow prohibited equipment installation to the Attorney General and Corporation Commission.
- Classifying violations involving prohibited equipment as a Class 5 felony for foreign adversary agents.
- Aligning with federal processes, including violations of Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States mitigation agreements or presidential divestment orders, and allowing the Attorney General to seek injunctions, forfeiture, removal of devices at the violator’s expense, or automatic stays during federal reviews.
- Applying to new transactions and renewals/extensions/modifications of existing interests on or after the effective date, with emergency provisions to preserve public peace, health, and safety.
“This legislation strategically ensures Arizona is prepared, not reactive, in protecting critical infrastructure. Protecting public safety is a core function of government, and that means addressing security gaps,” added Carroll. “Arizona farmland, properties near military bases, airports, utilities, and critical infrastructure must not be used for foreign espionage or as leverage by hostile regimes. It’s a priority for me to put the safety of Arizona and its citizens above all else.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Mar 7, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
In a display of strong bipartisan support, the Arizona Senate unanimously advanced legislation designed to crack down on deed fraud and better protect property owners statewide.
On Tuesday, the Senate passed SB 1479, sponsored by Majority Whip Frank Carroll (R-LD28), and sent the measure to the House for further consideration.
With deed fraud schemes growing more complex and repeatedly targeting vulnerable homeowners, lawmakers are acting to close dangerous loopholes in Arizona’s real estate recording system.
The bill updates statutes to improve identity verification, increase transparency, and impose stricter penalties on those who exploit the system for fraudulent purposes.
SB 1479 requires individuals submitting deeds or related documents in person at a county recorder’s office to present valid photo identification, with exemptions provided for trusted entities such as escrow officers, title insurance agents, banks, credit unions, active members of the State Bar of Arizona, and governmental entities. Recorders may note identification details in the system, but are prohibited from retaining copies of the identification, and this information remains non-public and exempt from disclosure.
“Property ownership is one of the most basic rights Arizonans have, and protecting that right should never be controversial,” stated Carroll. “When criminals can forge documents, quietly transfer property, or exploit weak safeguards, it puts families, seniors, and small businesses at real risk of losing what they worked their entire lives to build.”
The legislation also directs county assessors to establish a voluntary notification system by January 1, 2027, enabling property owners to opt in for prompt alerts—via email, text message, or similar means—whenever changes are made to ownership or mailing address information.
Additionally, the bill strengthens affidavit requirements for deeds and contracts transferring title by requiring the inclusion of mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and optional contact details such as email addresses for buyers and sellers.
For high-risk real property documents—including deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, and power of attorney affecting real property—notaries must obtain a thumbprint in their journal, with exceptions for foreclosure-related trustee’s deeds, releases, and certain compliant remote notarizations that include retained audiovisual recordings for at least seven years.
The measure repeals outdated provisions, increases penalties for recording forged documents, and makes clear that property fraud carries serious criminal consequences.
“This legislation restores trust in our system by strengthening identity verification, improving transparency, and holding bad actors accountable,” added Carroll. “The unanimous vote shows that protecting property owners isn’t partisan—it’s common sense. Arizona is sending a clear message that we will stand with rightful owners and will not allow fraudsters to game the system.”
As concerns over property scams continue to rise across the state, SB 1479 represents a proactive effort to ensure Arizona’s recording processes prioritize legitimate owners and deter fraud at every stage.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Feb 22, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Senate Majority Whip Frank Carroll (R-LD28) advanced legislation Monday aimed at tightening restrictions on foreign adversaries’ ability to acquire or access land and critical infrastructure in the state.
Senate Bill 1683 would lower the statutory “substantial interest” ownership threshold from 30% to 5% and expand prohibitions to prevent the use of shell companies, convertible debt arrangements, options, and other financial structures to obtain property interests in Arizona, according to a press release from Senate leadership.
The measure also restricts access not only to ownership interests, but to leases, development rights, and the installation or operation of certain equipment on Arizona property. The bill applies to equipment, including antennas, communication systems, autonomous technology, surveillance devices, and high-sensitivity sensors.
Under SB 1683, public utilities and operators of critical infrastructure would be required to report suspicious agreements involving covered entities. Violations involving the use of prohibited equipment would be classified as felonies.
“This is about protecting Arizona, plain and simple,” Carroll said in a statement. “We’ve already taken steps to prevent hostile foreign governments from purchasing our land, but we’ve seen how quickly bad actors adapt. If they can’t buy property, they will try to lease it. If they can’t put their names on a deed, they’ll hide behind shell companies or secretly install surveillance equipment. This bill closes those loopholes.”
He added, “Arizona farmland, military-adjacent property, airports, utilities, and critical infrastructure should never become tools for foreign espionage or leverage for hostile regimes. We must not allow adversarial nations or terrorist-linked actors to gain control, either directly or indirectly, over Arizona soil. This legislation draws a clear line: our land, infrastructure, and security are not for sale, lease, or negotiation.”
SB 1683 passed the Senate Federalism Committee on a 5-2 vote, with only Republican support, and now advances to the full Senate for consideration.
Arizona lawmakers enacted a 2025 measure, Senate Bill 1082, adding A.R.S. § 33-443 to state statutes, which restricts land purchases by entities connected to designated foreign adversaries. SB 1683 would amend and expand those existing provisions.
If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, the bill would take immediate effect as an emergency measure with a two-thirds vote of both legislative houses.
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.
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