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 Matthew Holloway | Jan 18, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Gov. Katie Hobbs has vetoed Republican-backed tax conformity legislation approved Thursday by the Arizona Legislature.
The bill, SB 1106, would have provided $1.1 billion in tax relief over three years while maintaining a balanced state budget.
The legislation would have aligned Arizona’s tax code with recent federal changes and included provisions eliminating state income tax on tips and overtime pay, increasing the standard deduction, expanding the child tax credit, creating a deduction for childcare expenses, and providing additional tax relief for seniors.
Hobbs vetoed the bill without releasing a formal veto message as of the time of publication.
In response, House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-LD29) issued a statement criticizing the governor’s decision and warning of potential impacts on taxpayers as the filing season approaches.
“Governor Hobbs’ veto of our tax relief act is a failure of leadership that will create unnecessary confusion and disruption for millions of Arizona taxpayers,” Montenegro said in a statement released Thursday.
Montenegro said House and Senate Republicans passed the legislation early to provide clarity and certainty for families, seniors, small businesses, employers, and tax preparers. He added that the bill conformed Arizona law to federal tax changes and removed provisions the governor had previously opposed.
“The Governor admitted swift action was needed. She asked for a bill to be sent quickly. We did exactly that,” Montenegro said. “What she did not do was offer a plan of her own. No bill. No alternative. No solution.”
Montenegro also listed several provisions included in the legislation that were rejected through the veto, including increases to the standard deduction, a childcare expense deduction, an expanded child tax credit, elimination of state taxes on tips and overtime, and additional tax relief for seniors.
Montenegro said the veto would lead to confusion for taxpayers, adding, “The chaos ahead is not accidental. It is the direct result of Governor Hobbs’ decision to veto a responsible tax conformity bill with no replacement plan.”
The veto also prompted reaction from other Republican lawmakers. State Rep. Nick Kupper (R-LD25) criticized the decision in a post on X. Kupper wrote, “Of course @GovernorHobbs vetoed the tax cuts we sent her because she doesn’t give a crap about working families. If she can’t give more handouts to non-working people then she won’t like whatever we send her.”
Arizona Congressman and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs, said, “Katie Hobbs vetoed a $1.1 BILLION tax cut for Arizona seniors, families, and workers. She is a weak and ineffective governor keeping Arizona from its full potential. She has no vision for the state. She has no ability to lead.”
Republicans do not hold the votes necessary to override the governor’s veto, leaving tax conformity unresolved unless lawmakers and the governor reach an agreement later in the legislative session.
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 Matthew Holloway | Jan 14, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen (R–LD14) said he believes the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to uphold state laws that protect girls’ and women’s sports, following oral arguments in a closely watched case on whether biological males may compete in female athletic competitions.
Petersen attended oral arguments in West Virginia v. B.P.J. in Washington, D.C., where the Court heard challenges to state-level laws restricting participation in girls’ sports based on biological sex.
“It was an incredible experience to be in the Supreme Court with the justices in the room hearing their arguments,” Petersen said in an interview with AZ Free News following the hearing. “If I’m reading the room, I think we win this six to three.”
Petersen explained that much of the questioning from the Justices centered on the definition of sex under the law, rather than transgender status itself. “What it’s really boiling down to is the definition of sex,” he said. “They’ve conceded that it’s about sex. They’re not even arguing that it’s about transgender status.”
He described a moment during questioning in which Justice Alito pressed attorneys defending the challenge to the laws on how to define the term “woman,” calling the exchange revealing.
Petersen and House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-LD29) joined the case through an amicus brief in September 2025 after Arizona Democrat Attorney General Kris Mayes declined to defend the Save Women’s Sports Act. Under Arizona statute, that authority shifted to legislative leadership.
“Unfortunately, you have an attorney general who’s not willing to defend our laws,” Petersen said. “But fortunately, the statute gives the Senate President and the Speaker standing. We were able to intervene and defend the law, and we’ve taken it all the way here.”
Petersen characterized the law as “common sense” and said lawmakers felt compelled to see it defended at the highest level.
“This is the same Women’s Sports Act to protect our girls and make sure they have these opportunities,” he said. “This law needed to be defended.”
Beyond athletics, Petersen said the case raises broader questions about state authority and federal overreach. “If they get this wrong, it would be devastating,” he said. “It would mean that your daughters, your granddaughters, your sisters—their chances to compete in sports and be champions—those dreams are shot.”
Petersen noted that while most states have enacted protections for girls’ sports, a Supreme Court ruling striking those laws down nationwide would leave states with no recourse. “At least if they leave it to the states, there would be some safe harbors,” he said. “If they ruled against everybody, there would be nowhere girls could go.”
Critics of the laws argue that they discriminate against transgender individuals. Petersen rejected that framing, saying the laws preserve opportunities while maintaining fairness.
“They still have opportunities,” he said. “They can be part of a co-ed team; they can play with people of the same biological sex or even create their own leagues. What they can’t do is play in biological girls’ sports.”
He added that the issue is necessary and unavoidable, pointing to female athletes who have lost titles and opportunities under policies that allow biological males to compete in girls’ categories.
If the Supreme Court upholds the laws, Petersen said no new legislation would be required in Arizona. “We already have the law,” he said. “We just want the law that we passed to be upheld.”
If the Court issues a narrow or adverse ruling, Petersen said lawmakers may be forced to explore alternative legislative approaches, though he cautioned that a sweeping loss could take years—or longer—to undo.
“That’s why it’s so critical they get it right,” he said. “If they get it wrong, it’s no different than Roe v. Wade. It could be decades, if ever, until it gets fixed.”
The Court is expected to issue its ruling as late as June this year, according to Petersen.
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 Matthew Holloway | Jan 13, 2026 | Economy, News
By Matthew Holloway |
Republican legislative leaders in Arizona introduced a tax conformity plan on last week, aimed at aligning the state’s tax code with recent federal tax reforms. The proposal, outlined in a joint press release from the Arizona State Legislature, estimates roughly $1.1 billion in tax savings for Arizonans over the next three years.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman J.D. Mesnard (R-LD13) and House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Justin Olson (R-LD25) are sponsoring the plan through two bills: SB 1106 and HB 2153.
According to the release, Republican lawmakers say the conformity effort will provide certainty to taxpayers and tax preparers amid the current filing season. They state the proposal would adjust Arizona’s tax code to reflect provisions of the federal tax overhaul known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
The Republican plan would include measures such as increasing the child tax credit and establishing a deduction for childcare expenses. It would also aim to apply the federal tax reforms to Arizona’s individual and business tax structures.
“This is an urgent matter. With tax season underway, tax professionals and families alike need clear guidance now,” Senate President Warren Petersen said. “Until the Legislature acts and the Governor signs this plan into law, there is real confusion about how to handle state tax returns. We’re urging Governor Hobbs to join us in resolving this issue promptly by signing this historic tax cut when it hits her desk.”
House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-LD29) is quoted in the release, asserting that formal legislative action is needed to resolve confusion created by recent state tax guidance issued by the governor’s office, which he says assumes legislative action has already occurred.
Montenegro explained, “The Governor jumped ahead of the law by issuing state tax guidance this week that assumes legislative action – which hasn’t happened yet – and her recent executive order only deepens confusion. This kind of unilateral overreach undermines the process and leaves families, tax preparers, and businesses stuck in the middle.”
He added, “The Legislature is moving to restore certainty, respect the separation of powers, and make sure Arizonans have clear, lawful guidance.”
The press release states that Republican sponsors contend the plan’s focus is on working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses, and that it would codify measures such as preventing taxation of tips and overtime pay.
SB 1106 and HB 2153 are set to be debated in the Legislature as the session begins.
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 11, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro announced last week, the establishment of two new House committees for the 57th Legislature’s Second Regular Session. The move reflects a proactive effort to address emerging technologies and the distinct needs of Arizona’s rural communities as lawmakers assemble on January 12.
In announcing the decision, Montenegro said, “Arizona lawmakers cannot afford to be passive while technology reshapes our economy and government. At the same time, rural communities deserve policies that recognize their role in feeding, powering, and supporting this state.”
Rep. Justin Wilmeth (R–LD 2) will chair the newly established House Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, with a focus on responsible policymaking in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
“Artificial intelligence has become a powerful engine for our nation’s economy, and it’s here to stay,” said newly appointed Chairman Wilmeth. “With the creation of the AI and Innovation Committee, the legislature is signaling that policymakers are evaluating their role in the future of Arizona: creating high-skill jobs, attracting new investment, and strengthening existing industries from semiconductors to healthcare. As Chairman, I hope to create a forum where experts, industry leaders, and members of the public can share their perspectives, knowledge, and concerns so we can create informed and effective legislation. Our state’s future competitiveness depends on embracing AI and supporting the innovators who choose to build and grow here.”
Rep. Teresa Martinez (R–LD 16) has been appointed chairwoman of the House Committee on Rural Economic Development, which will focus on all policies affecting rural jobs and local investment.
“Too often, policies are written without considering how they affect rural Arizona,” said Chairwoman Martinez. “I intend for the Rural Economic Development Committee to closely examine how state decisions impact jobs, infrastructure, water access, and local investment—and to advance policies that help rural communities grow, compete, and keep opportunity close to home.”
Both committees will meet on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m., The new legislative session opens on January 12.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
