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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by Matthew Holloway | Jan 14, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Republican leaders across Arizona responded to the death of former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, remembering him as a dedicated public servant who left an imprint on the state’s legal and political landscape.
Brnovich’s family confirmed the 59-year-old’s passing on Tuesday, saying he will be “forever remembered and cherished by us as a beloved father, husband, son, and brother,” according to ABC15. The family asked for privacy as memorial arrangements are finalized.
Senate President Warren Petersen said Arizona lost “a devoted public servant” who defended state laws and the rule of law.
“His commitment to public service was matched by his love for this state and his pride in being an Arizonan,” Petersen said. He added that Brnovich “leaves behind a legacy of principled leadership and a record of service that will not be forgotten.”
In a post to X, Petersen added, “Mark was a devoted husband, father, and an outstanding public servant. Every time I saw him, he graciously thanked me for being one of the first to endorse his AG run. It was an easy decision—he was a strong conservative committed to keeping Arizona safe. Prayers for his wife Susan, their daughters, and the entire family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh said Brnovich understood the attorney general’s job “was not about politics, but about defending the law,” while Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope noted he was a “strong partner to the Legislature” who consistently defended Arizona’s sovereignty.
Senate Majority Whip Frank Carroll said Brnovich served the state “with conviction and courage” and carried out his duties “with integrity.”
The Arizona House Republicans released a statement posted to X, writing:
“The Arizona House Republican Majority mourns the passing of our friend and former Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Mark dedicated his career to defending the rule of law, protecting election integrity, and standing up for Arizona families. As Attorney General, he recovered millions for victims, protected small businesses, and worked tirelessly to make Arizona safer. Mark’s contributions as a public servant, veteran, and father will not be forgotten. We honor his life and extend our prayers and deepest condolences to his wife Susan, his children, and all who loved him.”
Former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey also released a statement praising Brnovich’s passion for the law, his advocacy for victims, and his upbeat, “happy warrior spirit,” which Ducey said were hallmarks of his career in a statement per AZ Family. He added, “It was an honor to campaign with and serve alongside Mark Brnovich. His passion for the law, justice, and victims were hallmarks of his career in public service.”
Brnovich’s predecessor in office, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, called him “an outstanding, dedicated public servant and a devoted family man,” noting that political differences did not prevent a lasting friendship in later years.
Brnovich served two terms as Arizona’s 26th Attorney General from 2015 to 2023. During his tenure, he was known for high-profile legal actions and outreach as a state and federal prosecutor.
Memorial service details were not immediately released.
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 Jonathan Eberle | Dec 17, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona Senate Republicans released their 2026 Majority Plan on Monday, outlining policy priorities aimed at reducing the cost of living, strengthening public safety, supporting economic growth, and increasing oversight of state government.
The plan follows several years of divided government at the Capitol and builds on what Republicans describe as recent legislative accomplishments, including balanced budgets and multiple tax cuts passed without raising overall taxes. Caucus leaders say the 2026 agenda is intended to address challenges facing Arizona families, particularly rising housing costs, inflation, and concerns about government accountability.
“Arizonans want affordable living, safe neighborhoods, and a government that strengthens — not weakens — our economy,” Senate President Warren Petersen said in a statement. “While the Governor’s vetoes stall progress, Senate Republicans remain focused on protecting taxpayers, upholding Arizona’s freedoms, and preventing the radical left from turning our state into California.”
A central component of the plan is a proposed tax and budget framework aimed at providing relief from rising prices. Senate Republicans say they are pursuing reductions in state taxes on tips and overtime, expanded deductions for seniors, and policies to support small businesses. Caucus leaders estimate the proposals would return more than $1 billion to taxpayers over three years while pairing tax relief with restrained government spending.
Housing affordability is another major focus. The plan cites regulatory barriers, slow permitting processes, and executive-level actions as factors contributing to Arizona’s housing shortage. Republicans say they support reforms to speed up construction, reduce fees, and limit local restrictions on new housing, while aligning development decisions with water availability data.
“Arizonans can’t afford policies that stall development, inflate housing prices, or jeopardize our water security,” Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope said. “Senate Republicans are advancing practical, data-driven solutions that support responsible growth and keep Arizona livable for the next generation.”
Water policy is addressed alongside housing, particularly as negotiations over the Colorado River continue. The plan emphasizes the Legislature’s statutory role in those talks and calls for shared conservation efforts among basin states to avoid placing disproportionate burdens on Arizona.
Public safety proposals include addressing staffing shortages in correctional facilities, increasing oversight of state agencies, and strengthening accountability for violent offenders and probation violators. The plan also reiterates support for Second Amendment protections and public safety pension stability.
Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh criticized the current administration’s record, saying, “Arizonans deserve leadership that solves problems, not a wolf in sheep’s clothing who blocks solutions and hopes voters won’t notice.”
Additional priorities outlined in the plan include border security enforcement, election integrity measures, education policy, transportation and infrastructure investment, emergency preparedness, artificial intelligence safeguards, family court reform, veterans’ services, and oversight of agencies such as AHCCCS and the Department of Child Safety. Opening day of the second regular session of the 57th Legislature is scheduled for January 12, when many of the proposals are expected to be introduced.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Dec 9, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona Senate Republicans are raising alarms over potential budget cuts that could jeopardize long-planned safety and expansion projects along State Route 347, a vital corridor connecting the fast-growing city of Maricopa to the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Sen. David Farnsworth (R-LD10), who chairs the Senate Appropriations & Transportation Committee, and Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope (R-LD16) said Friday that they are working to ensure the Legislature preserves funding for the highway in the upcoming session. The push comes as SR 347 faces increasing traffic demands and a long history of serious crashes, including more than 300 collisions at the Riggs Road intersection alone.
More than three-quarters of Maricopa households depend on SR 347 for daily commutes. Yet the roadway has not been significantly widened since the late 1990s, despite dramatic population growth. Maricopa, which had roughly 1,500 residents in 2003, now exceeds 80,000.
Plans for the corridor include widening the entire highway, building a new overpass at Riggs Road, and upgrading key intersections. The projects are backed by a combination of legislative appropriations, local contributions totaling $50 million, and revenues approved by voters through Proposition 479. Construction on the Pinal County widening segment is expected to begin in late 2026.
Farnsworth said delaying construction is not an option. “SR 347 is essential for daily life in Maricopa; we cannot afford any delays when lives are at stake,” he said. “Every improvement we make on this corridor brings us closer to preventing tragedies, supporting economic growth, and ensuring Arizona families can travel safely for generations to come.”
Shope described the funding as “a lifeline,” arguing that cuts would undermine both public safety and regional economic stability. “Every dollar represents a commitment to saving lives and strengthening our economy,” Shope said. “Protecting this funding is not only sensible fiscal policy; it is a moral obligation to every driver who relies on this corridor to get home safely.”
City of Maricopa Mayor Nancy Smith said work is already moving forward, with design nearing completion and the project out for bid. “It is critical to keep all funding in place to allow this safety and capacity project to stay on track,” Smith said. “We are incredibly appreciative of Senator Farnsworth’s attention to the importance of this project.”
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Nov 17, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Newly surfaced documents and internal communications are raising new questions about political influence inside the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS), prompting calls for accountability from legislative leaders. Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope is urging state and county prosecutors to provide an immediate update on whether investigations into the matter remain active.
The controversy centers on Sunshine Residential Homes, a group home provider that recently received a 30% rate increase from DCS. The company has been a significant donor to Governor Katie Hobbs and multiple Democratic political groups—connections that agency employees reportedly flagged as a source of concern.
According to internal messages and financial records reviewed by lawmakers, DCS staff expressed discomfort with the approval process for the rate hike. Employees referenced Sunshine Residential’s political ties to the Governor and suggested the situation placed agency leaders in an “uncomfortable position,” particularly after the provider allegedly pressured the state by threatening to shift services to the federal system unless the increase was approved.
Despite warnings that the higher rate would deepen an already-projected $13 million budget shortfall, DCS moved forward with the decision. Documents also show Sunshine Residential cited a substantial financial deficit to justify its request. However, financial records reportedly indicate the provider had $440,000 in operating income—figures that independent accounting experts said appeared inconsistent with the claimed shortfall.
These discrepancies have intensified questions about whether political considerations influenced decisions affecting vulnerable children in state care. In a letter sent Thursday to Attorney General Kris Mayes and Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, Shope requested confirmation that any investigations into the potential “pay-to-play” conduct are ongoing. He also asked prosecutors to update the Legislature on the status of their reviews.
“These revelations are deeply disturbing,” Shope said. “If a provider donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Governor then pressures the state for a massive rate increase—and receives it—Arizonans deserve to know whether political influence played a role.”
Shope emphasized that the issue extends beyond partisan lines. “This is not a partisan issue—it’s a public trust issue,” he said. “If political donations influenced decisions inside DCS, especially decisions involving vulnerable children, that is unacceptable. We intend to get to the bottom of this.”
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
