by AZ Free Enterprise Club | Oct 6, 2026 | Opinion
By the Arizona Free Enterprise Club |
In George Orwell’s 1984, Big Brother needed telescreens, microphones, and cameras to watch citizens, extinguish the idea of a private life, and to tightly control their “decisions”.
Today, technology makes that job considerably easier. And some policies kick the door wide open to this kind of government invasion of privacy and manipulation.
Programs to tax, track, and limit citizens’ vehicle miles traveled (VMT) are exactly that kind of threat, and many states are experimenting with them to their own detriment. California, as per usual, is the cautionary tale to our West, perfectly demonstrating the extreme costs and loss of freedom that could come with importing these VMT ideas into Arizona.
Arizonans have a chance to stop this kind of government overreach before it takes hold here…
>>> CONTINUE READING >>>
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 30, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
This November, Arizona voters will decide whether to amend the state Constitution to prohibit taxes on vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and restrict government monitoring of or limits on how much people drive through Proposition 141.
The proposal would bar the state, counties, cities, towns, and other political subdivisions from imposing a tax or fee based on the miles a person travels in a motor vehicle. It would also prohibit those governments from enacting mileage-monitoring or mileage-limiting laws or rules unless they require the person’s voluntary consent.
The measure reached the ballot through SCR 1004, which passed the Senate on Feb. 20, 2025, and the House on June 13, 2025. The resolution was filed with the Secretary of State on June 16, 2025.
The Legislature advanced the proposal amid debate over mileage-based charges as a source of transportation funding. Such charges assess motorists based on distance traveled.
Supporters describe Proposition 141 as the Freedom to Move Act. In a published ballot argument, Arizona Free Enterprise Club (AZFEC) President Scot Mussi urged approval for the sake of privacy, affordability, and freedom of travel.
“From wide-open highways cutting through desert landscapes, lanes carving through mountains, bridges traversing valleys and open water, the Freedom to Move is engrained in the American spirit,” Mussi wrote. “Vote YES to preserve your privacy. Vote YES to keep Arizona affordable. Vote YES to preserve your freedom to move,”
In an August interview with Mussi, AZFEC Vice President Aimee Yentes noted that Arizona’s transportation dollars already come from several taxes, such as the tax on fuel and sales taxes. She added, “…this would prohibit the government from tapping into a new way to tax your driving by taxing every mile that you drive…”
Arizona Trucking Association President and CEO Tony Bradley also submitted an argument supporting the measure, citing reporting, auditing, and administrative costs associated with mileage-based taxation.
“Unlike fuel taxes, which are collected efficiently at the point of sale, mileage-based taxes require ongoing reporting, oversight, and enforcement,” he wrote. “Government agencies must devote resources to audits and compliance, while taxpayers and businesses bear additional recordkeeping and reporting costs. Those dollars are spent operating the tax system instead of improving roads and bridges.”
Under the official ballot explanation, a “yes” vote would amend the Arizona Constitution to prohibit: (1) taxes or fees based on motor vehicle miles traveled; and (2) laws or rules that monitor or limit motor vehicle miles traveled without consent.
A “no” vote would retain the current constitutional language on taxation.
If Proposition 141 is approved by voters, Arizona would become the first state to embed a ban on VMT taxes and mileage limits into its constitution.
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 AZ Free Enterprise Club | Feb 20, 2026 | Opinion
By the Arizona Free Enterprise Club |
It feels like just about everywhere you turn, politicians are inventing new ways to yank more money out of your wallet. There are property taxes, gas taxes, grocery taxes, and more. We’ve even seen cities and towns push their own tax, utility rate, and “fee” increases. (How are those water bills treating you, Gilbert?) And now, some states—like California and Massachusetts—are pursuing a tax that would charge you a fee for every single mile you travel in your vehicle.
So much for affordability.
Earlier this month, California’s legislature advanced AB 1421. If passed and signed by Governor Newsom, this bill would create a “road user charge” pay-per-mile system for our neighbors to the west. It also includes studying how to capture out-of-state vehicles as well in case you thought your trip to Disneyland couldn’t get any more expensive.
If you don’t think such a tax is possible, think again…
>>> CONTINUE READING >>>
by AZ Free Enterprise Club | Aug 22, 2025 | Opinion
By the Arizona Free Enterprise Club |
Entering year three of divided government, our expectations for the 2025 legislative session were admittedly not high. With Katie Hobbs occupying the governor’s office and demonstrating that her only skill set is setting new veto records of good public policy, it can be difficult to muster a lot of optimism.
Yet even in politics there is room to be pleasantly surprised and in fact there are several, though likely underappreciated, wins to be celebrated from the first session of the 57th legislature.
Freedom to Move is on the Ballot
After three sessions of introducing a ballot referral to protect every Arizonan’s freedom to move, finally, 2026 voters will have the chance to vote on SCR1004. The timing couldn’t be better as several states are moving forward with the imposition of their own tax per vehicle mile. Most ironically, in Massachusetts lawmakers have introduced legislation which in a masterclass in Double Speak they are calling “The Freedom to Move Act” as well. Every objection The Club has put on the record to VMT targets and taxes is being heralded by the radical liberals in Massachusetts as the benefits to passing the legislation. They proudly claim VMT taxes as a method to achieving their Net Zero goals, forcing people to “choose” other modes of travel like biking and public transit, and though they say there are no “prohibitions” in the bill, they give themselves away when they admit that the state may “facilitate reductions in vehicle miles travelled” in other words driving rations. With the passage of SCR1004, Arizona could be the first state in the country to cut this freedom-crushing policy off at the pass.
Closing the Revolving Door at the Corporation Commission
In an event that was probably rarer than a blue moon or maybe a solar eclipse (whichever is rarer), Governor Hobbs actually signed a bill that The Club supported and advocated for all session long…
>>> CONTINUE READING >>>
by Jonathan Eberle | Jul 10, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Sixteen months before the 2026 General Election, Arizona voters already know at least three ballot measures they’ll be weighing come November. Referred to the ballot by state lawmakers during the most recent legislative session, the proposals span issues of taxation, public safety, and individual privacy.
If passed, each measure would amend the Arizona Constitution — changes that can only be undone by future statewide votes. And these early additions may just be the beginning of what’s shaping up to be another crowded ballot.
In 2024, the number of voter questions was so high that some Arizona counties resorted to printing two-sheet ballots, prompting widespread voter complaints about ballot length. With dozens of potential referrals still under consideration, the 2026 ballot may once again test voters’ patience and attention spans.
Here’s a closer look at the three measures already set for the 2026 ballot:
1. Local Food Taxes Face New Restrictions
Sponsored by Rep. Leo Biasiucci (R–LD30), House Concurrent Resolution 2021 seeks to limit the ability of local governments to impose taxes on groceries.
If approved, the measure would require cities, towns, or counties to obtain voter approval before creating or increasing a tax on food. Currently, local governments can make that decision without direct input from the electorate.
The measure would also impose a temporary moratorium on any food tax hikes until June 30, 2027.
Proponents argue the change would make groceries more affordable during a time of rising costs. Local officials, however, warn it could impact critical revenue for municipal services.
The proposal passed with bipartisan support.
2. Ban on Mileage-Based Vehicle Taxes
Senate Concurrent Resolution 1004, sponsored by Sen. Jake Hoffman (R–LD15), would preemptively ban any tax or fee based on the number of miles a vehicle travels on Arizona roadways.
While Arizona does not currently impose such a tax, Hoffman and supporters argue the measure is necessary to protect personal freedom and prevent government overreach.
“There is nothing more insidious than the government trying to limit or control their citizens’ freedom,” Hoffman said earlier this year.
Mileage-based taxes have been explored in other states, like Oregon and Utah, as a way to replace declining fuel tax revenues and reduce pollution. Environmental advocates in Arizona, including the Sierra Club, support such measures as a means of curbing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.
The resolution passed along party lines, with Republicans in favor and most Democrats opposed or absent.
3. Designating Cartels as Terrorist Organizations
In one of the final acts of the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers approved House Concurrent Resolution 2055, which seeks to classify drug cartels as terrorist organizations under Arizona law.
Introduced by House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R–LD29), the measure would direct the state’s Department of Homeland Security to take all possible actions within its authority to counteract cartel activity.
Supporters say it complements Proposition 314, a 2024 ballot measure that authorized Arizona to enforce its own border security measures — though that law remains on hold pending the outcome of a related Texas lawsuit.
These early measures may just scratch the surface. Dozens of proposed ballot referrals were introduced during this year’s session, and lawmakers still have the 2026 legislative calendar to revive stalled proposals or introduce new ones.
As Arizona continues its tradition of robust direct democracy, election officials may once again find themselves preparing for a complex and lengthy ballot — and voters will need to prepare for an equally complex decision-making process at the polls.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
