WEEK in REVIEW: March 23-March 29, 2025

Stolen Valor Bill Faces Senate Challenges

The “Stolen Valor” bill, aimed at criminalizing falsely claiming military service or honors for personal gain, has encountered obstacles in the Senate. Although it passed unanimously in the House, Senator Wendy Rogers, chair of the Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee, has held the bill from its agenda, seeking amendments before a final vote. Representative Walt Blackman, the bill’s sponsor, has agreed to meet with Senate President Warren Petersen to discuss the path forward.

Hoffman’s Striker Could Leave Robson Unable to Assume Office

In response to concerns over current and former lobbyists entering public office, Senator Jake Hoffman (R-LD15) introduced a strike-everything amendment—HCR 2037—that would bar anyone who worked as a paid lobbyist within two years of a primary election from holding statewide office. Hoffman s d, “The public has an overwhelming distrust of paid lobbyists because their job includes the potential hazard of selling themselves and their influence to the highest bidder.”

Geoengineering Bills Will Make a Return Next Year

Two legislative efforts to prohibit geoengineering practices in Arizona—House Bill 2056 and Senate Bill 1432 —have stalled. Despite passing the Regulatory Oversight Committee, both bills were assigned to the House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee, which declined to schedule hearings. The sponsors vow to bring the bills back next year.

Photo Radar Bill for the 18th Year Will Stall in Committee.

SCR1002, introduced by Senator Wendy Rogers (R-LD7), prohibits using photo enforcement systems statewide. If passed, the measure would have proceeded to the ballot for the voters to decide. Rogers also sponsored Senate Bill SB1019, which likewise prohibits photo radar use, but the bill would require Governor Hobbs’ signature, an unlikely outcome given her veto record. SCR1002 initially passed Senate review but was placed into two committees in the House where it failed to advance.

Debate Over Chase Field Renovation Funding

Lawmakers are deliberating House Bill 2704, which proposes using sales taxes generated by the Arizona Diamondbacks to fund repairs and improvements to Chase Field. The Senate Finance Committee recently passed an amended bill along party lines. Phoenix Ma or Kate Gallego has raised objections, prompting further negotiations and amendments to address various concerns.

Biasiucci Starter Home Act Faces Stiff Opposition

The Arizona Starter Homes Act, sponsored by Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci, seeks to address the state’s housing crisis by reducing municipal regulations on single-family home construction, including limiting design mandates and allowing smaller lot sizes. Despite bipartisan support, the bill faces opposition from the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, which argues it undermines local zoning authority and may not guarantee affordability. The House Commerce Committee has recommended the bill’s passage, but its outcome remains uncertain, including whether Governor Katie Hobbs will support it.