Labor & Employment

introduced · Arizona · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SB 1721: prevailing wage contracts; agreements

SB 1721 requires state construction contracts to pay prevailing wages and fringe benefits based on local collective agreements, directly affecting contractors and subcontractors working on state-financed projects. It mandates that contractors post wage rates at job sites, maintain payroll records, and prohibits retaliation against workers reporting violations. The Arizona Department of Administration determines prevailing rates, and violations carry a $5,000 civil penalty or liability for lost wages. The bill ensures workers on state projects receive locally negotiated compensation standards while providing enforcement mechanisms for compliance.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires prevailing wages via collective agreements, mandates wage posting, prohibits retaliation, and enforces penalties - directly protecting workers' rights and strengthening wage standards.95% confidence

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introduced · Arizona · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 4065: DES; continuation

HB 4065 formally ends the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) on July 1, 2034, despite its title suggesting continuation. The bill repeals existing DES-related statutes and sets a specific termination date, while making these changes retroactive from July 1, 2026. It directly affects DES operations, requiring the department to cease providing social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation, and developmental disability services by 2034. The legislation does not create new programs but outlines a structured phaseout of the department’s current functions.

Topics ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentTerminates DES services including vocational rehabilitation and welfare programs, defunding employment support services by 2034.90% confidence

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introduced · Arizona · House Jun 13, 2026

HCR 2049: reporting; teacher salary increases; schools..

This resolution, if approved by voters, would require charter schools to publicly report average teacher salaries and salary increases on their websites. It also establishes a "teacher pay fund" funded by state land trust distributions to provide uniform base salary increases for eligible teachers across all schools, regardless of experience level. The fund would cover salary increases mandated by voter-approved state land trust funding, with schools required to submit annual reports on fund usage. The resolution directly affects charter schools, public school districts, and eligible teachers in Arizona, pending voter approval.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a state-funded 'teacher pay fund' using existing land trust distributions to mandate uniform salary increases for teachers, directly advancing public education funding within budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates teacher pay fund with state land trust funding for uniform salary increases, requiring school reporting on usage.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates teacher pay fund for uniform salary increases and mandates public reporting of teacher compensation, directly advancing wage standards for educators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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introduced · Arizona · House Feb 17, 2026

HB 4123: homelessness rights; criminal liability

HB 4123 establishes Arizona's "Homeless Persons' Bill of Rights," guaranteeing homeless individuals equal access to public spaces, services, employment, medical care, voting, and privacy protections without discrimination based on housing status. It explicitly prohibits charging homeless people with public sleeping or sitting offenses when no shelter space is available, amending criminal law to remove such liability under those conditions. The bill directly affects homeless residents in Arizona by legally protecting their right to use public areas, receive services, and maintain privacy through confidentiality safeguards. Key provisions include banning discrimination in voting documentation, requiring shelter confidentiality, and ensuring reasonable privacy for personal property.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves criminal liability for public sleeping/sitting when shelters are full, reducing unnecessary criminalization of homelessness and protecting civil rights per bill's explicit language.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareGuarantees homeless individuals equal access to medical care without discrimination, directly advancing healthcare access for vulnerable populations per bill's explicit language.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingGuarantees homeless individuals equal access to services and prohibits criminal charges for public sleeping when shelters are full, directly addressing homelessness and preventing discrimination based on housing status.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentGuarantees homeless individuals equal access to employment without discrimination, directly protecting labor rights and removing barriers to work access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Homelessness Tenant Rights

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introduced · Arizona · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SB 1771: health insurance; requirements; essential benefits

SB 1771 requires all health insurers in Arizona selling individual plans, short-term insurance, or small employer group plans to cover essential health benefits (like hospital care, mental health services, prescriptions, and preventive care) without cost-sharing for recommended preventive services. It bans insurers from denying coverage or charging more based on health status or preexisting conditions, eliminates annual/lifetime dollar limits on essential benefits, and mandates coverage for adult children up to age 26. The bill directly affects Arizona health insurers, individuals purchasing coverage, and small employers offering group plans. It aims to expand access and affordability by standardizing coverage requirements and prohibiting discriminatory practices under state law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates essential benefits coverage without cost-sharing, bans preexisting condition discrimination, eliminates annual/lifetime coverage limits on essential benefits.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates essential health benefits coverage without cost-sharing and bans preexisting condition discrimination, directly expanding worker health benefits and protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Insurance Mental Health

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introduced · Arizona · House Feb 10, 2026

HB 4022: public works employment; wages; regulation

HB 4022 requires contractors bidding on Arizona public works projects to pay wages based on the federal Davis-Bacon Act rates, which are posted annually by the Arizona Industrial Commission on its website. It mandates that employers submit monthly payroll records to the Commission for compliance review and allows audits for violations, with penalties including fines or bidding restrictions. The bill also prohibits local governments and agencies from requiring higher wage rates or specific labor agreements (like project labor agreements) in public works contracts. This directly affects contractors and subcontractors working on state or local government construction, maintenance, or repair projects.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates Davis-Bacon Act wage rates for public works contractors with payroll audits and penalties, ensuring fair compensation and compliance for workers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards

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introduced · Arizona · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SB 1766: inmate labor; wages

SB 1766 sets minimum wage standards for prisoners working in Arizona state prisons or contracted private prisons under the prison industries program. It requires at least $1.50 per hour for most prison labor and $2 per hour for private prison contracts, with compensation based on work quality and skill. The bill mandates deductions from prisoner earnings for court fees, dependent care, a transition program, and room and board, with remaining funds placed in a retention account accessible upon release. Prisoners are explicitly not considered employees and do not qualify for workers' compensation benefits. This law directly affects incarcerated individuals participating in Arizona's prison work programs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeSets minimum wages for prison labor, promoting fair compensation and rehabilitation opportunities within corrections reform.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes minimum wage standards ($1.50-$2/hr) for prison labor, advancing compensation protections within employment context.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Minimum Wage Workers' Compensation

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introduced · Arizona · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SB 1727: child care; assistance; eligibility

SB 1727 modifies Arizona’s child care assistance program to expand eligibility for low-income families needing support to work, attend school, or address crises. It allows assistance for families transitioning off cash aid, those with incomes up to 165% of the federal poverty level (FPL), and special circumstances like domestic violence or homelessness - prioritizing families at or below 100% FPL. Key provisions include extending support for up to 24 months after cash aid ends, waiving work requirements for education/training programs leading to jobs, and setting income limits (ceasing assistance when income exceeds 85% of state median income). The bill also establishes prioritization on waiting lists by income level and gives the department flexibility to adjust income thresholds within available funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state child care funding for low-income families, increasing public service appropriations and aligning with fiscal support for essential programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enables families to attend school by providing child care assistance, directly expanding educational access as a core indicator of support.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands child care access for low-income families to support workforce participation, directly advancing employment access as a labor & employment policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood

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in committee · Arizona · Senate Feb 18, 2026

SCR 1041: reporting; teacher salary increases; schools.

SCR 1041 is a referendum bill that would require charter schools to publicly report average teacher salaries annually, including year-over-year dollar and percentage increases. If approved by voters, it would establish a "teacher pay fund" using state land trust distributions to mandate base salary increases for eligible teachers in all school districts and charter schools, with increases applied uniformly regardless of experience. The bill also requires schools to submit detailed salary data to the state education department and prohibits reducing base salaries below 2026-2027 levels without corresponding budget adjustments. This measure directly affects public school employees and school districts, focusing on transparency and standardized salary increases funded through state resources.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates state-funded teacher salary increases using land trust distributions, directly allocating budget resources to boost public education spending.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates state-funded teacher salary increases via 'teacher pay fund' using land trust distributions, directly advancing teacher compensation and school funding.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates uniform base salary increases for teachers using state funds, directly advancing worker compensation standards in education sector.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding Teachers

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introduced · Arizona · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 4129: DPS; mental health; wellness; appropriation

HB 4129 creates a statewide mental health and wellness program for all Arizona law enforcement officers, prioritizing small agencies with 200 or fewer sworn officers. The program provides free, confidential access to counseling services - including crisis support, peer counseling, suicide prevention training, and telehealth for rural officers - while protecting all communications as private. It is funded with $15 million from the state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027, with $5 million specifically allocated for small agencies. The Department of Public Safety must submit annual reports to the legislature by 2027, tracking participation and suggesting improvements, to reduce officer burnout, suicide, and improve recruitment and retention.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $15M from state general fund for law enforcement mental health program, advancing public service funding within fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds mental health program for law enforcement officers, promoting officer wellness and accountability within criminal justice system.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds mental health services for law enforcement via $15M appropriation, expanding access to counseling, crisis support, and suicide prevention training.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides confidential mental health services for law enforcement officers, enhancing workplace safety and wellness protections as part of employment standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Law Enforcement Mental Health Telehealth

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