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 2092 amends Arizona's ASRS (Arizona State Retirement System) rules to clarify eligibility waivers for two specific groups. It allows term-limited state elected officials (elected before 2014 who previously opted out of ASRS) and employees aged 65+ with no prior ASRS service to formally choose not to join ASRS. To waive membership, individuals must submit a written election to ASRS within 30 days of eligibility notification. This waiver is final and forfeits all ASRS benefits for the affected period, though it does not impact benefits accrued before the waiver. (Cites A.7 and A.8 of amended §38-727.)
HB 2090 modifies Arizona's Long-Term Disability (LTD) program under the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). It sets a cap on monthly LTD benefits at two-thirds of a member's monthly compensation, with specific reductions for social security benefits (85% for post-July 1, 2008 disabilities, excluding certain fees and cost-of-living adjustments) and other income like workers' compensation, veteran's disability payments, or employer-provided benefits. The bill establishes a $50 minimum monthly benefit and clarifies that ASRS must offset benefits to ensure total income from all sources doesn't exceed 100% of the member's pre-disability compensation. This directly affects ASRS members who become disabled, determining their benefit amount based on these calculations and exclusions.
HB 2812 allows Arizona state and county employees in specific retirement systems (like the Arizona State Retirement System or public safety plans) to receive cash payments for unused sick leave upon retirement. Payments are calculated as 25% of an employee’s hourly rate for 500-750 hours, 33% for 750-1,000 hours, and 50% for 1,000+ hours (capped at $57,600 total). Employees may choose to receive payments as a lump sum or over three years, and the law specifies these payments do not count toward retirement benefits or salary calculations. The bill applies retroactively to certain university employees under the Arizona Board of Regents but excludes those receiving federal sick leave payments.
SB 1216 requires Arizona employers (including state and local governments) to provide up to 12 paid counseling visits for public safety employees exposed to specific traumatic events while on duty, such as witnessing death/maiming, responding to dangerous child crimes, or life-threatening rescues. It excludes police officers and firefighters but covers roles like 911 dispatchers, crime scene technicians, probation officers, and juvenile detention officers. Employers must track participation, missed work, and workers' compensation claims related to the program, reporting annual data to the state. The bill repeals prior laws that set different visit limits (e.g., six visits annually before 2017) and defines "licensed counseling" by specific mental health professional standards.
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.
SB 1461 allocates $15 million from Arizona's general fund for a new allied health workforce development program targeting roles like medical technicians and therapists (requiring specialized training beyond high school but less than a bachelor's degree). The program will fund a nonprofit meeting strict criteria, including prior training of 7,000+ students, partnerships with employers and schools, and operating in at least eight states. The nonprofit must commit to graduating 1,000 students annually through this initiative. This direct funding aims to expand training capacity for non-physician, non-nurse healthcare roles across Arizona.
SB 1120 requires hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities performing real-time X-ray procedures (such as cardiac catheterization) to equip at least half of their relevant procedure rooms with radiation protection systems by July 1, 2027. These systems must provide shielding equivalent to a 0.25mm lead-equivalent apron and include real-time dosimetry to measure radiation exposure for staff during procedures. The bill directly affects healthcare institutions conducting interventional medical procedures involving ionizing radiation. It mandates specific technical standards for radiation protection, focusing on staff safety during common medical imaging procedures.
SB 1115 prohibits Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) employees from working remotely as their primary arrangement. The bill directly affects all AHCCCS employees by requiring them to report to the agency's physical worksite regularly, rather than working from home or other remote locations. It defines "work remotely" as having a primary worksite outside the agency's location and mandates that employees not be expected to work remotely on a regular basis. This policy change applies specifically to AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program, and amends the state statutes governing the agency.
SB 1035 appropriates funds from the state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to provide a 5% salary increase for all sworn correctional officers and civilian employees within Arizona's State Department of Corrections. This bill directly affects over 3,000 correctional staff members who work in Arizona's state prisons and facilities. The key provision is a mandatory pay raise for these employees, funded through a specific appropriation in the state budget. As a procedural funding measure, it does not create new policies or alter existing laws.