Arizona House bill by Rep. Hernandez allows probationers in apprenticeships flexible work hours

Newly passed bill authored by State Rep. Alma Hernandez seeks to facilitate probationers’ participation in apprenticeship programs by permitting flexible work hours and travel while maintaining probation conditions, according to the Arizona State House.

It passed both chambers as of May 6, clearing the House by a vote of 59-0 and the Senate by a vote of 27-1.

The bill, introduced as HB2488 on Jan. 16, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘apprenticeship; supervised probation.’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill allows probationers on supervised probation who are participating in state or federally recognized apprenticeship programs to work at any time during the day, provided they maintain good standing within their apprenticeship. It also permits these probationers to travel outside their residential jurisdiction for work-related purposes, as long as they return by 11:59 p.m. each day. The bill appears aimed at facilitating the smooth participation of probationers in apprenticeship programs, potentially aiding in their rehabilitation and skill development while ensuring they adhere to the conditions of their probation.

In the House, 26 Democrats and 33 Republicans voted in favor, with no opposition.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 11 Democrats and 16 Republicans voted in favor while one Republican voted against it.

Hernandez introduced the bill in the Arizona House on Jan. 16 during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature.

The bill was sponsored by Consuelo Hernandez (Democrat-21st District).

Hernandez graduated from the University of Arizona in 2015 with a BS and again in 2025 from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law with a JD.

Hernandez, a Democrat, was elected to the Arizona State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 20th House District, replacing previous state representative Shawnna Bolick.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Katie Hobbs on May 13.

In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.