by Staff Reporter | Feb 6, 2026 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Republican lawmakers in the Arizona House are continuing their investigation into Gov. Katie Hobbs over an alleged pay-to-play scheme.
On Monday, House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-LD29) announced the House advisory team obtained outside counsel from out of state to investigate the connection between Hobbs and a Glendale group home, Sunshine Residential Homes, independently.
Montenegro said in a statement that the connection between the governor and the group home constituted special treatment derived directly from political donations. The lawmaker said that the addition of outside counsel was necessary to achieve the full independence an investigation of this significance needed.
“The advisory team has done serious, disciplined work, and their recommendation to bring in independent counsel is the right next step,” said Montenegro. “The House will not look the other way when taxpayer dollars and vulnerable children may have been used as leverage in a political scheme. We will follow the facts, consider the findings, and ensure transparency and accountability in state government. Arizonans deserve nothing less.”
The outside counsel is Justin Smith with the Missouri-based James Otis Law Group. The law group was founded by Trump’s solicitor general, D. John Sauer.
Smith is the listed counsel in President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against a woman, E. Jean Carroll, alleging battery and defamation. Carroll sued Trump for defamation after he publicly denied her 2019 claims of him sexually assaulting her in the 1990s.
That petition is before the Supreme Court.
According to Montenegro, Smith will conduct records review and interviews. All findings will go directly to the advisory team and House leadership.
Advisory team members are State Reps. Selina Bliss (R-LD1), David Livingston (R-LD28), Matt Gress (R-LD4), Quang Nguyen (R-LD1), and Neal Carter (R-LD15).
Last November, that advisory team was created to follow up on 2024 media reporting alleging the pay-to-play scheme within the Arizona Department of Child Safety under Hobbs’ direction.
In the summer of 2024, the Arizona Republic reported that Sunshine Residential Homes received a unique 30% rate increase following a donation exceeding $400,000 to Hobbs and the Arizona Democratic Party.
Much of 2024 was spent attempting to determine who, if anyone, was fit to conduct an investigation into the allegations against the governor.
One of the earliest requests came from Republican State Sen. T.J. Shope, who asked Attorney General Kris Mayes to investigate. Mayes complied initially, but was immediately hit with other Republican lawmakers and state leaders asking her to recuse herself due to an alleged conflict of interest.
State Rep. Matt Gress asked Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell and Auditor General Lindsey Perry to investigate.
All three leaders are investigating. Mitchell and Perry are coordinating on one investigation, while Mayes will conduct her own investigation.
As reported last November, the work of the House’s advisory team will coordinate with these parallel investigations by the auditor general and county attorney, and the attorney general.
In February 2024, Sunshine Residential Homes owners Elizabeth and Simon Kottoor maxed out their donations to Hobbs’ reelection campaign. Each gave the maximum $5,400 contribution amount.
In October 2022, the Kottoors gave Hobbs’ initial gubernatorial campaign $10,000.
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by Matthew Holloway | Jan 30, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Arizona House Republican Majority advanced five of six bills aimed at aligning state law with key provisions of the Trump administration’s signature legislation, H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, during a meeting of the House Health and Human Services Committee on Monday.
According to a pre-meeting press release from the Arizona House GOP Conference, the six-bill package focuses on Medicaid eligibility verification, reporting requirements, rural health workforce issues, and related health policy changes. GOP leaders said the measures are intended to mirror select federal reforms included in H.R. 1, including restoring accountability to Medicaid, strengthening rural health care access and workforce participation, and protecting taxpayer resources.
The following bills were identified by House GOP leadership as part of the package:
Medicaid-related measures:
- HB 2796 (Rep. Michael Carbone, R-LD25) — AHCCCS; enrollment verification; presumptive eligibility: Strengthens eligibility verification for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) by requiring cross-agency data matching to verify income, residency, deaths, and out-of-state activity. The bill limits reliance on self-reporting where not federally required and tightens presumptive eligibility primarily to children and pregnant women. Advanced 7–5.
- HB 2689 (Rep. Ralph Heap, R-LD10) — Hospitals; patient immigration status; reporting: Establishes reporting requirements related to hospital patient immigration status. Advanced 7–5.
Public assistance, health access, and workforce-related measures
- HB 2396 (Rep. Leo Biasiucci, R-LD30) — SNAP; allowed purchases; waiver: Addresses Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) policy options, including purchase eligibility and waiver authority. Advanced as amended 7–5.
- HB 2190 (Rep. Julie Willoughby, R-LD13) — Physician Assistant Licensure Compact: Seeks to join Arizona in an interstate compact to facilitate licensure portability for physician assistants. Advanced 11–1.
- HB 2437 (Rep. Selina Bliss, R-LD1) — EMS reciprocity; compact: Would establish an interstate compact for emergency medical services credential reciprocity. Held.
- HB 2233 (Rep. Walt Blackman, R-LD7) — Arizona Rural Health Transformation Fund; reporting: Requires additional reporting related to the Arizona Rural Health Transformation Fund. Advanced as amended/strike everything 7–5.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed by the U.S. Congress under budget reconciliation and signed into federal law on July 4, 2025. It includes broad federal policy changes affecting tax policy, Medicaid funding, SNAP, border security, and other areas.
The House Health and Human Services Committee meeting was open to the public and available for viewing online via the Arizona Legislature’s official video player.
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 | Jan 30, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Former Arizona State Representative Noel Campbell, a dedicated public servant and veteran, passed away on January 24, 2026, at the age of 84, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on I-10 in Phoenix on January 20.
Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro announced the news, highlighting Campbell’s lifelong commitment to service. “Noel Campbell lived a life defined by service,” explained Montenegro. “He served his country in uniform, protected our communities in the air and on the ground, and brought that same sense of duty to the Arizona House. Our state is better because he chose to serve. Our prayers are with Noel’s wife, Mary Beth, his family, and all who were fortunate to know him. He will be remembered with respect and gratitude.”
Campbell, a Republican from Prescott, represented Legislative District 1 in the Arizona House of Representatives for three terms, from 2015 to 2021.
He chaired the House Transportation Committee during the 53rd and 54th Legislatures, earning respect for his practical approach, leadership, and thoughtful policy work.
Before entering politics, Campbell’s career was marked by extensive service in high-stakes roles. He served as a United States Navy combat aviator during the Vietnam War, later retiring as a Commander in the Naval Reserves.
He went on to work as a pilot with the United States Customs Service, combating illegal drug trafficking, and later as a wildfire pilot for the United States Forest Service.
Arizona lawmakers from both chambers mourned his loss and celebrated his legacy. “Noel served Arizona with distinction, representing his district with a steady hand and a deep commitment to the people he was elected to serve,” expressed Senator Mark Finchem. “Never afraid to have a scrappy debate, his work at the Legislature reflected a strong belief in public service, civic duty, and the responsibility of government to its citizens. Noel was someone who took the job seriously and never forgot who he worked for. He represented his district, Legislative District 1, with integrity and left a lasting mark on Arizona’s legislative history.”
“His passing is a loss for our state,” Senator Finchem added. “Noel was known for his thoughtful approach to policy and his dedication to Arizona communities, particularly in Legislative District 1. His service spanned decades of civic involvement, and his impact continues to be felt by colleagues and constituents alike.”
Representatives Quang Nguyen and Selina Bliss also honored Campbell’s legacy in Arizona, stating:
“Noel was a mentor and a friend,” Rep. Nguyen said. “When I was first elected, he reminded me that my vote mattered just as much as anyone else’s and that no one should ever be bullied out of doing what they believe is right. He also taught me that your word is everything. Once you lose that, you have nothing left. I am grateful for his guidance and his example. Thank you for your service, Representative Campbell. Rest in peace.”
“Noel Campbell was a champion for Legislative District 1 and for the state of Arizona,” said Rep Bliss. “He served with honor and cared deeply about the people he represented. God bless him, and rest in peace.”
Campbell’s decades of service—from military aviation and federal law enforcement to wildfire response and state legislation—reflected a consistent willingness to step forward in challenging environments, guided by leadership, discipline, and a focus on protecting communities in his district and across the state of Arizona.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
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.
