Arizona Government
2026 Legislative Session
The legislative session begins on January 12, 2026. Each year thousands of bills are introduced in the legislature with only a small percentage going through the process and becoming law. Since 2020, Arizona and every state in the nation, have seen more and more anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed each year.
We expect the same this year, that many anti-LGBTQ+ bills will be introduced, primarily for the purpose of sowing division in Arizona, raising money for future elections, and reversing the cultural, social, and legal progress that has been made in terms of LGBTQ+ visibility, acceptance, and equal rights.
Important Dates
The legislative process operates according to a rigorous schedule. Here are the important dates to be aware of for this year.
January 12, 2026 - Opening day and pre-file deadline
January 15, 2026 - House 7-bill introduction limit begins
January 31, 2026 - Deadline for Financial Disclosure Statements
February 2, 2026 - Senate bill introduction deadline
February 9, 2026 - House bill introduction deadline
February 20, 2026 - Deadline to Hear Senate/House Bills in Respective Committees
February 23, 2026 - Crossover week
March 27, 2026 - Deadline to Hear Bills in Opposite Chamber Committees
April 17, 2026 - Last day for conference committees
April 21, 2026 - 100th day of session
April 25, 2026 -Projected Adjournment
2026 Bill Watch List
Keep up to date on bills that could impact the LGBTQ+ community below.
Bills to Oppose
AZ HB 2085 - Gender transition; minors; prohibitions.
Sponsor: Rep. Lisa Fink (R)
Summary: Outlines a legislative act from the State of Arizona that amends section 32-3230 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, focusing on prohibitions related to gender transition procedures for minors. Physicians and health professionals are prohibited from providing irreversible gender reassignment surgery and gender transition procedures to individuals under eighteen years of age, as well as from referring minors for such procedures.
Exceptions to this prohibition include services related to medically verifiable disorders of sex development, treatment of infections or injuries caused by gender transition procedures, and procedures necessary to prevent imminent danger to health. Additionally, public funds cannot be used to provide gender transition procedures to minors, and the Arizona health care cost containment system is barred from reimbursing costs for these procedures.
The act is set to take effect on March 31, 2027, allowing time for minors currently using puberty-blocking drugs or cross-sex hormones to taper and discontinue their medication under medical supervision. This legislation may impact healthcare providers specializing in gender transition services and pharmaceutical companies involved in the production of related medications.
Overall, the act reflects a significant shift in the regulation of gender transition procedures for minors in Arizona, with implications for healthcare practices and funding structures within the state.
AZ HB 2135 - Liability; diversity; equity; inclusion laws
Sponsor: Rep. Michael Way (R)
Summary: The legislation in Arizona restricts the adoption and promotion of certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies that endorse concepts such as critical race theory, anti-racism, or ideas suggesting inherent racial or gender superiority or inferiority. These restrictions apply to corporations, organizations, institutions, and government agencies within the state that are subject to relevant state or federal laws banning such policies.
Entities that violate these restrictions may face civil liability, including potential damages of at least $100,000, as well as other legal remedies such as declaratory and injunctive relief, court costs, and attorney fees. Individuals whose rights are affected by violations have the right to initiate civil actions within three years of the incident.
The provisions of the legislation are scheduled to take effect in the 2026 legislative session. The law is likely to impact sectors such as education, corporate training, government agencies, and any organizations implementing DEI policies that could be deemed prohibited under the new restrictions
AZ HB 2175 - Crimes; hostility towards victims; sentencing
Sponsor: Rep. Julie Willoughby (R)
Summary: The document outlines significant amendments to Arizona's criminal statutes, focusing on enhanced sentencing provisions for offenses motivated by malice towards victims based on their identity. Individuals convicted of certain felonies, such as assault and criminal damage, will face increased minimum and maximum sentences, with class 4, 5, or 6 felonies seeing an increase of three years, and class 2 or 3 felonies an increase of five years. These changes aim to strengthen penalties for hate-motivated crimes while affirming that they do not infringe upon constitutional rights.
Additionally, the document details responsibilities for criminal justice agencies regarding the collection, sharing, and protection of criminal justice information. Agencies are required to cooperate with state and federal repositories to ensure the rapid exchange of information, particularly concerning offenses demonstrating prejudice. Periodic audits and training requirements are mandated to ensure compliance and accuracy in handling this information.
The regulations also address fees associated with fingerprint processing for noncriminal justice purposes, establishing funds to cover these costs. Strict limitations are placed on the dissemination of criminal justice information, with agencies required to maintain security and comply with established laws. The document emphasizes the importance of training and security measures to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Furthermore, the introduction of new definitions and terms related to criminal justice information management indicates a shift towards more stringent standards for law enforcement agencies, courts, and criminal justice agencies. This may lead to increased operational costs and the need for updated technology systems to meet the new requirements effectively.
Overall, the changes outlined in the document are expected to enhance the efficiency and security of criminal justice information management while increasing penalties for hate motivated crimes, impacting various sectors, including law enforcement, legal services, and community organizations focused on victim support and advocacy.
AZ HB 2249 - Parents' bill of rights; remedies
Sponsor: Rep. Lisa Fink (R)
Summary: Outlines amendments to section 1-602 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which significantly strengthen parental rights concerning their minor children. These amendments affirm that all parental rights are reserved exclusively to parents, ensuring that the state or any governmental entities cannot interfere with rights related to education, health care, moral and religious training, and access to records.
Parents are empowered to take legal action against governmental entities or officials for any violations of these rights. In cases of interference, the burden of proof lies with the governmental entity or official to demonstrate a compelling government interest, and their actions must be narrowly tailored to meet that interest.
Additionally, the amendments require governmental entities or institutions that have previously coerced or facilitated a minor child in withholding information from their parents to disclose such actions within a specified timeframe. This requirement aims to promote transparency and accountability regarding parental rights.
The education sector is particularly impacted by these amendments, as schools and educational institutions must adhere to the new requirements concerning parental rights and disclosures. Health care providers may also be affected due to the stipulations regarding medical records and parental consent.
Overall, the amendments represent a significant shift in the legal landscape surrounding parental rights in Arizona, emphasizing the importance of parental authority and the need for governmental accountability in matters affecting families.
AZ HB 2589 - Unlawful exposure; minors; drag show
Sponsor: Rep. Michael Way (R)
Summary: The proposed legislation in Arizona introduces a new section to the Arizona Revised Statutes that addresses the exposure of minors to drag show performances. It classifies allowing minors to view these shows or be present in venues hosting such performances as a class 4 felony.
This law is expected to have a significant impact on entertainment venues that host drag shows, necessitating stricter age verification and control measures to prevent minors from attending. Businesses involved in the production and promotion of drag shows may also face challenges in complying with the new regulations.
The changes outlined in the bill are set to take effect in 2026, following its passage in the legislative session. While specific monetary impacts are not detailed, potential fines and legal costs associated with violations could affect the financial viability of the businesses involved.
AZ HCR 2003 - Interscholastic; intramural athletics; biological sex
Sponsor: Rep. Selina Bliss (R)
Summary: The document proposes amendments to Arizona Revised Statutes concerning interscholastic and intramural athletics, focusing on the designation of athletic teams based on the biological sex of participants. The key changes require schools and athletic associations to classify teams as "males," "females," or "coed," with teams designated for "females" being exclusive to female athletes.
Additionally, schools are mandated to provide separate facilities, such as restrooms and locker rooms, according to the designated sex of the athletes. The resolution emphasizes the importance of compliance with these regulations and the potential implications for various sectors, including educational institutions and athletic organizations.
The proposed amendments are set to be submitted to voters at the next general election, as required by the Arizona Constitution.
AZ HCR 2010 - Medical records; parental rights
Sponsor: Rep. Julie Willoughby (R)
Summary: The proposed amendment to section 1-602 of the Arizona Revised Statutes aims to strengthen parental rights by limiting governmental interference in the upbringing of minor children. If approved by voters in the November 2026 general election, the amendment will grant parents exclusive rights to direct their children's education, moral or religious training, and health care decisions.
Under the new provisions, parents will have the right to access and review their children's medical records, with certain exceptions. Additionally, the amendment places the burden of proof on governmental entities to justify any interference with parental rights, ensuring that such actions are essential to a compelling government interest.
The amendment allows parents to pursue legal action against governmental entities for violations of their rights, which may result in compensatory damages and attorney fees. This change is expected to impact various industries, including healthcare, education, and child welfare, as they will need to adapt their policies to align with the new framework for parental rights.
Overall, the amendment seeks to reinforce the authority of parents in making decisions for their children while establishing a legal pathway for addressing potential violations of these rights.
AZ SB 1014 - Insurance; gender surgeries; documentation; reports
Sponsor: Rep. Janae Shamp (R)
Summary: The document outlines significant legislative changes in Arizona concerning health insurance coverage for gender transition and detransition procedures, set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Health insurers will be required to provide coverage for gender detransition procedures if they already cover gender transition procedures, ensuring that claims for detransition procedures cannot be denied.
Additionally, health insurers must submit monthly reports to the state department detailing claims related to gender detransition procedures. These reports will include information on the number of claims, demographics of individuals receiving the procedures, and the dates of prior gender transition procedures. An annual statistical report will be compiled by the department based on this data and made available to state leadership.
State agencies will also need to adopt expedited procedures for individuals undergoing gender detransition to change their name and gender designation on official documents. Agencies are tasked with identifying current processes and reporting on these expedited procedures by the end of 2027 and mid-2028.
The provisions related to state agency procedures will be repealed after December 31, 2028. Overall, these changes are expected to impact the health insurance industry and state agencies, potentially leading to increased administrative costs and modifications in claims processing.
AZ SB 1015 - Gender transition procedures; provider liability
Sponsor: Rep. Janae Shamp (R)
Summary: The proposed legislation in Arizona establishes strict liability measures for health care professionals and physicians involved in providing gender transition procedures to minors. Health care providers will be held responsible for all costs associated with any subsequent detransition procedures sought by the minor within twenty-five years of the initial transition.
Individuals who undergo detransition procedures will have the right to file civil actions against their providers until they reach the age of twenty-six, seeking compensation for the costs of detransition, attorney fees, and other appropriate relief. Additionally, providers will be strictly liable for any injuries resulting from the treatment, which may encompass physical, psychological, emotional, or physiological harms for a period of twenty-five years post-treatment.
Legal actions for injuries can be initiated within eight years after the individual's eighteenth birthday or within four years after discovering the injury and its cause, whichever is later. The legislation also prohibits health care professionals from seeking waivers of liability, rendering any such waivers null and void.
These changes are expected to significantly impact health care providers, particularly those involved in gender transition and detransition procedures, as they may face increased legal and financial risks due to the outlined liabilities.
AZ SB 1094 - Civil liability; gender reassignment surgery
Sponsor: Sen. John Kavanagh (R)
Summary: The document proposes an amendment to Arizona's legal framework concerning civil liability for irreversible gender reassignment surgery performed on minors. If enacted, this amendment would allow minors to sue for damages resulting from such surgeries, including compensation for mental anguish, irrespective of parental consent.
The statute of limitations for filing a claim would extend to twenty-five years after the minor turns eighteen or four years after the minor undergoes detransition treatment, whichever is later.
The amendment could significantly impact healthcare providers specializing in gender reassignment procedures and legal services related to civil litigation. The financial implications may include substantial legal costs for healthcare providers and varying potential damages awarded to plaintiffs based on individual cases.
These changes are intended to take effect following the passage of the bill in the 2026 legislative session.
AZ SB 1095 - Gender transition; minors; prohibitions
Sponsor: Rep. Mark W. Finchem (R)
Summary: The State of Arizona has enacted legislation that prohibits health professionals from providing irreversible gender reassignment surgery and gender transition procedures to individuals under the age of eighteen. This ban extends to referrals for such procedures and restricts the use of public funds to support these services for minors, affecting state and local healthcare facilities and their employees.
Certain exceptions are allowed under the legislation, including services for individuals with medically verifiable disorders of sex development or those facing imminent health risks. The act aims to significantly impact healthcare providers involved in gender transition services and may influence related legal and administrative proceedings.
The legislation is set to take effect on March 31, 2027, providing a transition period for minors currently undergoing treatment with puberty-blocking drugs or cross-sex hormones to taper off their medication under medical supervision.
AZ SB 1099 - Gender transition procedures; informed consent
Sponsor: Rep. Frank P. Carroll (R)
Summary: The document outlines a legislative act in Arizona that requires health professionals to obtain informed consent before prescribing, administering, or performing gender transition procedures. This consent must be voluntary, written, and signed, and it must be documented in the patient's medical record for a minimum of fifteen years.
Health professionals are mandated to disclose the potential long-term benefits and harms associated with puberty-suppressing medications, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures. They must emphasize the uncertainty surrounding the available research and communicate specific risks, including effects on bone density, brain maturation, fertility, and possible surgical complications.
The act is expected to impact healthcare providers involved in gender transition procedures, as they will need to adopt new consent protocols and maintain comprehensive records. Additionally, it may influence legal services related to civil actions against health professionals for failing to obtain informed consent or providing misleading information.
AZ SB 1177 - Public monies; gender transition; prohibition
Sponsor: Rep. Wendy Rogers (R)
Summary: The legislation amends Arizona Revised Statutes to prohibit the use of public funds for any medical procedures related to gender transition. This ban affects the subsidization, reimbursement, or distribution of public monies for costs associated with such procedures, impacting healthcare providers, insurance companies, and businesses involved in gender transition services.
The prohibition encompasses various medical procedures, including surgical alterations and the administration of puberty blockers or hormones. The legislation is expected to have significant financial implications for industries that rely on public funding for gender transition-related services.
Overall, the changes reflect a shift in funding policies regarding gender transition healthcare in Arizona.
AZ SB 1328 - Domestic relations; parents' rights
Sponsor: Rep. Mark W. Finchem (R)
Summary: The document discusses amendments to section 25-103 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which focus on domestic relations and the rights of parents. The changes aim to promote strong families and uphold family values, emphasizing the importance of both parents' involvement in their children's lives and decision-making processes.
These amendments are expected to impact various business industries, particularly family law practices, child custody services, and counseling services. The emphasis on shared parenting may lead to increased legal consultations and modifications in custody arrangements, potentially affecting legal fees and related costs for families.
While the specific effective date of the amendments is not provided, they are part of the legislative session for 2026. Overall, the changes seek to reinforce the role of both parents in child-rearing, which may lead to shifts in family dynamics and legal practices in Arizona.
AZ SB 1570 - Diversity; equity; inclusion; training; prohibition
Sponsor: Rep. Jake Hoffman (R)
Summary: The legislation prohibits the State of Arizona and its agencies, departments, boards, and commissions from implementing or requiring participation in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs for hiring, training, or promotion purposes. These entities are not allowed to use DEI programs to influence employment decisions, nor can they mandate employee engagement in such programs or require participation as a contractual condition.
The law also mandates that the relevant department monitor hiring practices to ensure compliance with these restrictions. The definition of DEI programs includes activities that justify differential treatment based on sex, color, gender, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
There is no specified effective date for these provisions, but it is implied that the restrictions are to be enforced upon passage and enactment. The legislation may impact industries involved in government contracting, public employment, and organizations working with state agencies that previously implemented DEI initiatives.
Overall, the law aims to restrict the use of DEI programs in employment-related decisions and activities within state-affiliated entities.
AZ SCR 1006 - Schools; biological sex; requirements
Sponsor: Sen. John Kavanagh (R)
Summary: The proposed measure in Arizona seeks to amend existing statutes regarding accommodations for students in public schools based on biological sex. It mandates that schools provide reasonable accommodations for individuals who are unwilling or unable to use multi-occupancy restrooms or changing facilities designated for their biological sex, allowing access to single-occupancy restrooms or employee facilities upon written request.
Additionally, the measure prohibits school employees or contractors from addressing students under eighteen with pronouns that do not align with their biological sex without written parental permission. This restriction extends to the use of first names that differ from those on official school records.
The measure aims to influence the operations of public schools and may lead to increased litigation and necessary policy adjustments within school districts. It also allows individuals who prevail in claims related to the measure to recover damages for psychological, emotional, and physical harm, along with reasonable attorney fees and costs.
AZ SCR 1038 - Public buildings; accommodations; requirements
Sponsor: Sen. John Kavanagh (R)
Summary: This legislation amends Arizona law to require public entities to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals who are unable or unwilling to use designated multi occupancy restrooms based on their biological sex. Affected individuals can request access to single-occupancy restrooms or use employee restrooms by submitting written requests and satisfactory evidence of their sex.
The law applies to public buildings, government offices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other entities operating public restrooms. It allows these entities to adopt policies for implementation, including exceptions for emergency or custodial purposes.
Individuals whose requests are denied or who face violations have legal recourse through private lawsuits, which can seek damages for psychological, emotional, and physical harm. Such claims must be filed within two years of the incident.
The law defines "sex" as biological sex at birth, based on anatomy, physiology, genetics, and hormones. The measure will be submitted to voters at the next general election, with its implementation contingent upon voter approval and subsequent proclamation by the Governor.