SB 1036 Arizona Senate · 57th Legislature - First Regular Session

public resources; influencing elections; penalties

SB 1036 prohibits Arizona cities and counties from using public funds, facilities, or employees to influence election outcomes, including campaign materials or biased communications about candidates or ballot measures. It allows neutral informational pamphlets about bond elections and routine government communications but bans employees from pressuring subordinates about political activities. Violations carry civil penalties up to $5,000 per incident plus repayment of misused public funds, with penalties paid to the state, county, or affected residents depending on who files the lawsuit. The law specifically exempts government-sponsored forums that remain impartial and provide equal opportunity for all viewpoints.

Bill status vetoed 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Dec 2024

Committee Review

Mar 2025

Senate Passage

May 2025

House Passage

May 2025

Vetoed

May 2025

Introduced Dec 23, 2024 Vetoed May 13, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

House Engrossed Version → Senate Engrossed Version · 4 edits · May 7, 2025

MODERATE

The bill was amended to clarify definitions and streamline language regarding the use of public resources to influence elections. Changes include removing jurisdiction-specific language (city/town, county, school district, state) from certain definitions and simplifying the description of what constitutes influencing elections.

Scope change

The scope of applicability was broadened by removing specific jurisdictional references in some sections, making the language more uniform across different governmental entities.

DEFINITION

Removed jurisdiction-specific language (city/town, county, school district, state) from the definition of 'influencing the outcomes of elections' in multiple sections to create more uniform language.

Simplified the definition of influencing elections by removing references to 'information related to an election or to the subject of an election that is contemplated within the jurisdiction' and replacing it with 'any information'.

Changed 'Misused funds monies' definition to specify 'city or town monies' in one section, 'county monies' in another, and 'school district monies' in a third, maintaining entity-specific definitions.

TECHNICAL

Corrected formatting inconsistencies and removed redundant 'Means' at the beginning of subsection (a) in several sections.

Floor votes · House May 1, 2025

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 13, 2025

Vetoed

Vetoed by Governor

executive

May 7, 2025

Upper · Passed

PASSED

upper

May 1, 2025

Lower · Passed

PASSED

lower

Apr 17, 2025

Lower · Passed

DPA

lower

Apr 17, 2025

Lower · Passed

PASSED

lower

Mar 19, 2025

Lower · Passed

lower

Feb 20, 2025

Upper · Passed

PASSED

upper

Feb 20, 2025

Upper · Passed

DPA

upper

Feb 5, 2025

Upper · Passed

DPA

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors