appropriation; tribal assisted living facilities

HB 2597 appropriates $15 million from Arizona's general fund to the Department of Health Services for tribal assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The funds must be distributed to tribal governments to open or reopen facilities, with at least $1.5 million allocated to the Hopi Tribe and $1.5 million to the Navajo Nation. Remaining funds are distributed proportionally across northern, central, and southern regions of Arizona. This bill directly affects tribal governments and their ability to operate senior care facilities.