Hobbs Shunned Gress-Chaired Ad Hoc Oversight Committee

Just minutes before a legislative hearing on Arizona’s $122 million shortfall in developmental disabilities funding, Governor Katie Hobbs barred her agency heads from participating, calling the ad hoc oversight committee a “political circus.” The committee, chaired by Rep. Matt Gress, was formed to investigate the budget gap tied to the expansion of the Parents as Paid Caregivers (PPCG) program. Hobbs offered no explanation for the missing funds, while Republicans blame her administration for bypassing legislative approval. With the Democrat members absent, the committee received no agency testimony, leaving lawmakers unable to investigate the crisis thoroughly.

Border Czar Homan’s Address to AZ Legislators Prompts Dem Walkout

During a joint session of the Arizona Legislature, Democratic lawmakers walked out in protest as Trump administration Border Czar Tom Homan began his address. Homan outlined plans for intensified border security and mass deportations, asserting a significant reduction in illegal entries. Democrats, opposing his policies, exited the chamber holding signs with names of individuals affected by immigration enforcement actions. Homan responded to the walkout by expressing indifference and continued his speech, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to strict immigration enforcement without apologies.

Hobbs Quietly Signs Nguyen’s Child Protection Bill

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs quietly signed House Bill 2114 into law. The bipartisan measure, introduced by Rep. Quang Nguyen (R-1), strengthens penalties for adults over 21 who engage in sexual conduct with minors aged 15 to 17. The law reclassifies such offenses from a class 6 to a class 4 felony when the offender is five years older or more than the victim and mandates a minimum one-year jail sentence, even if defendants receive probation. This legislation addresses previous leniency that allowed some offenders to avoid incarceration, signaling Arizona’s commitment to protecting vulnerable teens from predatory behavior.

Kupper Joins ‘Hobbs Veto Club’ over EUA Bill

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed House Bill 2012, sponsored by Rep. Nick Kupper (R-25), which sought to prohibit employers and government entities from mandating the use of medications authorized solely under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Hobbs argued that the bill was based on a misunderstanding of federal law and could jeopardize public health by restricting employer and state policies. Kupper criticized the veto, asserting that it undermined individual rights and allowed for the coercion of Arizonans into using unapproved medical products. This veto adds Kupper to the growing list of legislators whose bills have been rejected by Hobbs, informally known as the “Hobbs Veto Club.”

RFK Jr. Hits Arizona with Bold Health Plan—Pushes Food & SNAP Reforms

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Arizona as part of the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. During his visit, Kennedy advocated for legislation banning ultra-processed foods in public schools and restricting the purchase of sugary drinks with SNAP benefits. He also engaged with tribal leaders at the Tribal Self-Governance Conference, discussing health disparities and food sovereignty in Native communities.