by Jonathan Eberle | Jan 4, 2026 | Education, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
State Representative Selina Bliss (R-LD1) has introduced legislation aimed at improving how schools respond to life-threatening medical emergencies by expanding access to advanced trauma care training for school staff.
House Bill 2076, titled the FASTER Saves Lives Act, would allow public school districts and charter schools to offer specialized emergency medical training to designated employees. The goal is to ensure that trained personnel are available on campus to provide immediate care in critical situations before professional first responders arrive.
Under the proposal, participation would be voluntary for both schools and individual employees. The training authorized by the bill includes hemorrhage control using tourniquets, airway management, stabilization of chest injuries, and coordination with law enforcement and emergency medical services. Training standards would be aligned with established civilian and tactical emergency medical protocols and would require periodic recertification to maintain readiness.
“Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after traumatic injury,” Bliss said in announcing the legislation. “HB 2076 gives schools the option to prepare staff to act immediately when an emergency occurs.”
Advocates for the measure note that schools often face inherent delays during emergencies due to large campus sizes, restricted access points, or distance from trauma centers. Studies from both military and civilian trauma settings show that survival rates decline rapidly when hemorrhage control is delayed, yet most school personnel receive only basic first aid instruction that does not address severe traumatic injuries.
“Whether the emergency is an act of violence, a serious athletic injury, or a transportation accident, trained responders on site save lives,” Bliss said. The legislation also addresses cost concerns. Training expenses are expected to be limited and could be covered through existing school safety grants, federal emergency preparedness funds, or private partnerships. The bill does not impose unfunded mandates on participating schools.
HB 2076 is scheduled for committee review, where lawmakers will consider its potential impact on school safety, liability protections, and implementation. If approved, the measure would give Arizona schools an additional, optional tool to improve emergency response and potentially save lives during critical incidents.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Dec 29, 2025 | Education, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona voters could be asked to decide how school athletic teams are classified and how privacy is handled in sports facilities under a ballot referral introduced at the State Capitol. The proposal, HCR2003, was introduced by Selina Bliss and would place the issue on the November 2026 general election ballot. The resolution would require school sports teams and competitions to be designated as male, female, or co-ed, while adding new privacy protections in locker rooms and showers.
“Sports designations must be clear and grounded in basic fairness,” Bliss said in announcing the measure. “My referral requires teams and competitions in Arizona schools and sports associations to be designated as male, female, or co-ed. This lets every student compete safely and on fair terms.”
The referral seeks to restore and strengthen elements of Arizona’s 2022 Save Women’s Sports Act, portions of which were blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Under the proposal, placement on male or female teams would be determined by the sex listed on an athlete’s original birth certificate, a standard Bliss said would provide consistency for schools and families navigating evolving legal rules.
Supporters of the measure argue that litigation has created uncertainty in states like Arizona, leaving districts without clear direction. Bliss said voters should have the opportunity to weigh in directly rather than relying on ongoing court decisions. “Voters should decide this issue and give young women the opportunities they deserve,” she said. “Passing this referral will protect female athletes and give families confidence that the rules will not shift again in court.”
Bliss also cited her personal background in athletics as informing her perspective on the issue. “As someone who competed in athletics and as a mother who watched her daughter compete, I understand the value of a fair field of play,” she said. “Sports help young people build confidence, discipline, and healthy habits.”
Similar proposals are advancing in other states, including Colorado, Maine, Washington, and Nevada. If approved by the Legislature, HCR2003 would allow Arizona voters to make the final decision at the ballot box.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Nov 18, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro has formed a new advisory team to investigate allegations that Governor Katie Hobbs’ administration awarded a lucrative contract increase to a politically connected group home provider, raising fresh questions about influence and accountability inside the Department of Child Safety (DCS).
The move follows reporting by The Arizona Republic that Sunshine Residential Homes received a 30% rate increase after contributing more than $400,000 to Hobbs and Democratic political committees. According to documents cited in the reporting, other group home providers seeking similar adjustments were denied. Internal communications reportedly show DCS staff discussing the provider’s political connections to the governor and suggesting the increase be kept quiet from competing organizations.
The revelations come as DCS faces a budget shortfall and has been under pressure to reduce reliance on group home placements, making the agency’s decision to grant a significant rate hike particularly notable. Speaker Montenegro said the advisory team will conduct a legislative investigation to assemble facts, coordinate with law-enforcement agencies, and evaluate possible actions the House may take to prevent preferential treatment in state contracting.
“The facts reported raise serious questions the House cannot ignore,” Montenegro said in a statement. “Arizona’s children, families, and taxpayers deserve a system that is clean, fair, and focused on care, not political access or donations.”
The speaker also directed state agencies and contractors to preserve all relevant records and to cooperate fully with the Legislature. The advisory panel includes several senior lawmakers including Rep. Selina Bliss, Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee; Rep. David Livingston, Chair of House Appropriations; Rep. Matt Gress, Chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee; Rep. Quang Nguyen, Chair of House Judiciary; and Speaker Pro Tempore Neal Carter.
The investigation builds on earlier legislative efforts to probe the relationship between Sunshine Residential Homes and the Hobbs administration. In 2024, Rep. Matt Gress requested investigations by the Maricopa County Attorney and the Auditor General following the first reports linking the provider to political contributions and favorable treatment. Rep. David Livingston separately urged Attorney General Kris Mayes to recuse herself, citing concerns about conflicts of interest involving the governor and the Democratic Party.
The House advisory team is expected to begin its work immediately and will coordinate with any parallel investigations by the Auditor General, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, or the Attorney General. Montenegro said lawmakers will “secure the records, ask the hard questions, and, if necessary, change the law to ensure it never happens again.”
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Jul 22, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
The Arizona Republican Assembly (AZRA) has released its Final Legislative Scorecard for the 2025 Arizona State Legislative Session.
This scorecard evaluates Arizona State Senate and House of Representatives members based on their voting records and alignment with AZRA’s core principles of limited government, individual liberties, and fiscal responsibility.
As primary elections approach, this scorecard is a critical tool for voters to distinguish authentic conservatives from those who merely claim the label.
The AZRA Legislative Scorecard is the only one, not only in Arizona but in the nation, where a committee of twelve members from across the state invest thousands of hours analyzing over 1,800 bills annually, rating more than 250 bills.
AZRA then publishes these bill ratings before legislative votes, notifying every legislator in advance and inviting feedback to ensure fairness. To maintain integrity, AZRA contracts a national data firm that receives daily voting data from the Arizona Legislative Council, updating results without manipulation or bias.
The scorecard lists 30 State Senators and 60 State Representatives, providing numerical scores out of 100 based on weighted votes on key bills. Scores are presented alphabetically by last name for letter grades, in descending order, along with party affiliation and legislative district.
Among senators, Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14) earned the highest score of 98.5, followed by Senator Wendy Rogers (R-LD7) at 96.9, Senator David Farnsworth (R-LD10) at 95.9, and Senator Timothy Dunn (R-LD25) at 95.5.
The highest-ranking Democrats were Senator Brian Fernandez (D-LD23) at 40.5 and Rosanna Gabaldón (D-LD21), at 34.1. The lowest scoring Democrats were Lauren Kuby (D-LD8) at 25.4 and Priya Sundareshan (D-LD18) at 23.8.
Representative Selina Bliss (R-LD1) led the House with a score of 96.8, followed by a four-way tie at 96.1 among Majority Leader Michael Carbone (R-KD25), John Gillette (R-LD30), Quang Nguyen (R-LD1), and James Taylor (R-LD29).
Rep. Bliss recognized AZRA’s Scorecard saying, “It is an honor to be recognized, along with seatmate Quang Nguyen, by the Arizona Republican Assembly for our work at the Capitol!”
Out of the Democrat Representatives, Alma Hernandez (D-LD20) scored the highest with a 49.4 and Consuelo Hernandez (D-LD21) with a 48.8. The lowest ranked Democrats are Quantá Crews (D-LD26) with a score of 26.6 and Mariana Sandoval (D-LD23) with a 25.5.
The AZRA scorecard reveals a significant divide in voting patterns between Republican and Democratic legislators in the Arizona State Senate and House, with Republicans ranging from 78.7 to 98.5 and Democrats scoring from 23.8 to 49.4.
Correction: This story originally stated that there are 50 State Representatives. The story has been updated to reflect the correct number at 60 State Representatives.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Jul 7, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
After years of legal wrangling and stalled progress, Arizona State Representatives Quang Nguyen and Selina Bliss have announced the allocation of $15 million in state budget funding to renovate Prescott’s historic rodeo grounds—just in time for the World’s Oldest Rodeo.
The funding, part of the newly signed state budget, is designated for infrastructure upgrades at the city-owned site, including restrooms, parking facilities, drainage, and water and sewer systems. The rodeo grounds, which have not seen significant improvements in four decades, are set to receive an overhaul that lawmakers say will benefit both locals and the thousands of visitors who flock to the annual event.
“This funding finally delivers the economic benefits we fought for two years ago,” said Rep. Nguyen, reflecting on the legislative battle. “If the city hadn’t taken this to court, we could have been celebrating this year’s rodeo in a fully updated arena.”
Nguyen and Bliss originally secured the funding in 2023, but litigation surrounding the project delayed its implementation. The representatives revisited the issue this year, revising the language to ensure the funds were reapproved and their use clearly mandated.
“This is a win for Prescott and all of Arizona,” said Rep. Bliss. “The rodeo grounds are a cornerstone of our community and a symbol of our western heritage. The improvements will enhance the visitor experience while preserving an important cultural and economic asset.”
The World’s Oldest Rodeo, in operation since 1888, is one of Yavapai County’s most significant tourism draws. The grandstands currently in use were constructed in 1933, and local leaders have long called for modernization of the venue.
“This project preserves our western roots and ensures the rodeo will thrive for generations to come,” Bliss said. “Quang and I are proud to have delivered for District 1.”
Under the terms of the budget, the City of Prescott is required to begin upgrades promptly. The funds must be directed toward infrastructure improvements and enhancements that promote continued use of the rodeo grounds.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
