Labor & Employment

HB 2138 clarifies that professional firefighters employed by city, town, county, or fire district departments are considered "in the course and scope of employment" for workers' compensation purposes if injured or killed while traveling directly to or from work. This directly affects firefighters in these specific municipal fire departments by ensuring commute-related injuries qualify for workers' comp benefits, provided they were not engaged in criminal activity. The bill explicitly states it does not create new employer liability for negligent or intentional conduct during commutes. The law was passed by the Arizona House of Representatives on February 3, 2026, and transmitted to the Senate.

HB 2310 defines "qualified marketplace contractors" as workers on digital platforms (like ride-sharing or task apps) who must meet specific criteria to be treated as independent contractors under Arizona law. To qualify, their contracts must specify they’re independent contractors, pay must be based on output (not hours), they must control their schedule, work for multiple platforms, and bear their own expenses and taxes. The bill directly affects platform workers and digital platforms in Arizona, excluding transportation services (e.g., package delivery) and government/religious organization workers. It ensures these contractors aren’t automatically classified as employees for state employment or workers' compensation laws, though compliance isn’t mandatory for establishing independent contractor status.

HB 2008, the "Library Freedom Act," prohibits Arizona public schools from using taxpayer funds to pay dues or membership fees to professional associations that advocate for libraries and librarians. This directly affects public school libraries and their governing bodies, preventing them from financially supporting such associations with public money. The bill includes an exception allowing county free libraries, municipal libraries, or other contracted entities to still join these associations using their own funds. The law clarifies that "school library" encompasses the school's library, all sites it serves, and the school governing body.

HB 2051 adds breastfeeding and lactation care services - including consultations, education, and counseling - as a covered benefit under Arizona's AHCCCS (Medicaid) program. This applies directly to AHCCCS enrollees, including new mothers, who need support in inpatient, outpatient, home-based, or group settings. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include these services under covered health and medical services without changing current coverage limits or funding. It does not alter other benefits or eligibility requirements for the program.

SB 1036 revises Arizona's unemployment benefit rules to clarify disqualification standards for job seekers who refuse suitable work or fail to actively seek employment. It defines "suitable work" as positions paying at least the minimum wage and exceeding the individual's weekly benefit amount, with exceptions for unlisted job offers. The bill also updates requirements for "shared work" programs, mandating employers to submit detailed plans showing how reduced hours prevent layoffs and maintain fringe benefits like health insurance for affected workers. These changes directly impact unemployment claimants and employers participating in shared work arrangements.