by Ethan Faverino | Jan 23, 2026 | Economy, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona State Representative Leo Biasiucci (R-LD30) has introduced House Bill 2839, bipartisan legislation that would prohibit cities and towns across Arizona from imposing transaction privilege taxes or similar local taxes on food items that are eligible for purchase with benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
“In her State of the State address, Governor Hobbs said she wants to lower taxes for hardworking Arizona families,” stated Rep. Biasiucci. “I’m taking her at her word and answering that call by introducing HB 2839. This bill removes local taxes from the one thing every family needs to survive—food.”
HB 2839 amends ARS Section 42-6015 to clarify that municipalities may not levy transaction privilege, sales, use, franchise, or other similar taxes on SNAP and WIC-eligible food items, regardless of whether the purchaser participates in those programs.
These federal programs cover basic, essential foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, breads, and other necessities for “home consumption.” Taxing these items increases costs for families already facing tight budgets, and the bill aims to provide tax relief by extending the exemption uniformly.
“Taxing SNAP and WIC food purchases is wrong. These are necessities, not luxuries,” added Biasiucci. “If the Governor is serious about lowering taxes, this bill should be an easy yes. If she vetoes it, that will speak volumes. Arizonans will know exactly where she really stands when she talks about tax relief for families.”
The legislation would apply retroactively to taxable periods beginning on or after the first day of the month following the general effective date, ensuring swift relief if enacted. Supporters highlight that approximately 70 Arizona municipalities currently impose some form of tax on food, and this measure could help families save hundreds of dollars annually on groceries.
Representative Biasiucci is joined by a bipartisan group of co-sponsors, including four Democratic representatives, fifteen Republican representatives, and one Democratic senator.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Corinne Murdock | Mar 10, 2022 | News
By Corinne Murdock |
Legislature Democrats expressed that they won’t vote to restore precinct committeemen (PC) elections this year unless Republicans kill a bill requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, one railbird informed AZ Free News. The passage of that election integrity bill out of committee, HB2492, on Thursday appeared to be a setback for Republicans hoping to correct a mistake made last week with the passage of HB2839.
As AZ Free News reported earlier this week, HB2839 gave a political party’s local county committee the sole authority to determine who gets appointed as PC. The bill intended to alleviate candidates’ qualification deadlines for this year’s primary election under the new redistricting. However, a section that allowed PC candidates to skip signature gathering also allowed local committee members to choose the PC appointments.
Republicans need supermajority in both the House and Senate to pass the emergency measures effectively reversing HB2839 and restoring PC elections for this year, HB2840 and SB17200. PCs are responsible for helping their party by providing aid with voter registration and voter assistance during elections, as well as nominating candidates to fill county or state office vacancies.
HB2492 sponsor, State Representative Jake Hoffman (R-Queen Creek), sent out an email call-to-action acknowledging the murmurings that Democrats would kill PC restoration following the passage of his bill.
“Rumors are swirling at the Capitol that the Senate may try to trade HB2492 in exchange for Democrats voting for the PC election repeal so it gets an emergency clause,” wrote Hoffman. “We cannot horse trade with critical election integrity legislation!”
Reportedly, legislators failed to identify HB2839’s consequences for several reasons: some admitted to not reading the bill’s language and trusted their leadership’s take on the bill, while others just misread the bill completely.
The controversial proof-of-citizenship bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee along party lines, 5-3. Those who showed up to oppose the bill shouted, “Shame!” repeatedly at the committee after they passed the bill.
In response, State Senator Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) thanked the crowd for making their approval of the bill easier.
“Thank you for showing us who you are,” said Petersen. “You’re making this easy, thank you.”
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
