State Rep. Alma Hernandez authored a new bill in the Arizona House that seeks to establish a statewide stockpile of medicines and supplies to improve preparedness for public health emergencies, according to the Arizona State House.
The bill, introduced as HB2489 on Jan. 16, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘public health emergencies; essential medicines’.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill mandates the Arizona Department of Health Services, in collaboration with various state departments and stakeholders, to establish a statewide strategic essential buffer stock to prepare for and address public health emergencies, such as natural and man-made disasters. The buffer stock will include medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies, and may utilize virtually sequestered inventories managed by private vendors to prevent expiration and ensure distribution readiness. The bill outlines procurement, management, and distribution guidelines, prioritizing rural and underserved areas, and aims to leverage federal and state funding to maintain these supplies. Additionally, the Department of Health Services is responsible for demand planning and modeling to determine the types and quantities of emergency supplies needed and for setting distribution and logistics strategies to minimize costs. Essential buffer stock resources are designated for distribution to specific entities, including health care providers and state-operated facilities, to enhance emergency preparedness.
The bill was sponsored by Consuelo Hernandez (Democrat-21st District).
Since the beginning of the session, Hernandez has proposed another six bills, with five of them being adopted.
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.
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.
| Sponsor(s) | Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alma Hernandez | HB2489 | 01/16/2025 | This bill mandates the Arizona Department of Health Services, in collaboration with various state departments and stakeholders, to establish a statewide strategic essential buffer stock to prepare for and address public health emergencies, such as natural and man-made disasters. The buffer stock will include medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies, and may utilize virtually sequestered inventories managed by private vendors to prevent expiration and ensure distribution readiness. The bill outlines procurement, management, and distribution guidelines, prioritizing rural and underserved areas, and aims to leverage federal and state funding to maintain these supplies. Additionally, the Department of Health Services is responsible for demand planning and modeling to determine the types and quantities of emergency supplies needed and for setting distribution and logistics strategies to minimize costs. Essential buffer stock resources are designated for distribution to specific entities, including health care providers and state-operated facilities, to enhance emergency preparedness. |
| Alma Hernandez | HB2488 | 01/16/2025 | 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. |
| Betty J Villegas | HB2445 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends section 42-18303 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, allowing the board of supervisors to sell real property held by the state through a tax deed to the highest bidder via live or online auctions. Proceeds are allocated to cover any taxes, interest, and penalties, with remaining funds returned to the previous property owner. It permits sales to counties or municipalities for public purposes like affordable housing for low-income families, allowing them to dispose of properties below fair market value if regulatory agreements ensure affordability for at least 30 years. Properties can also be sold to contiguous property owners if the parcels were once under common ownership or are unusable for residential purposes due to size or zoning restrictions. Properties with pending offers for affordable housing or contiguous ownership may be excluded from auctions. |
| Betty J Villegas | HB2444 | 01/16/2025 | This bill repeals sections 9-461.16 and 11-819 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, as well as a section from the Laws 2015, impacting local planning. It amends section 9-462.01 by detailing the zoning regulations municipalities can enact to promote public health, safety, and welfare. These regulations cover a wide range of zoning powers, including building use, signage, lot sizes, floodplain protections, historical preservation, and age-specific communities. The bill specifies the necessity for public hearings and municipal considerations for individual property rights and personal liberties before adopting zoning ordinances. It mandates a housing impact statement for analyzing any proposed zoning ordinance changes’ effects, limits land use regulation imposing acreage requirements on school properties, and defines terms related to the transfer of development rights. |
| Betty J Villegas | HB2443 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends Section 44-313 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, detailing the distribution of monies received from unclaimed properties. It mandates that 55% of these funds be deposited into the housing trust fund, with 40% of that allocated to developing housing in rural areas. Additionally, after this allocation, $2 million annually will be directed to the seriously mentally ill housing trust fund. The following $24.5 million each fiscal year is designated for the Department of Revenue administrative fund. Funds from unclaimed corporate shares and dividends are to be deposited into the permanent state school fund, while unclaimed victim restitution payments are directed to the victim compensation and assistance fund. The department retains $100,000 in a separate trust fund for paying claims. It must also document and publicly record details of property holders and policies before deposit. |
| Alma Hernandez | HB2382 | 01/16/2025 | The bill mandates that employers develop and implement comprehensive programs to mitigate heat-related and cold-related illnesses for employees working in temperature-stressed environments, both indoor and outdoor, with specific responses for conditions above 80 degrees Fahrenheit and below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Employers are required to provide free, accessible drinking water, and ensure rest periods and access to cool or warm areas as appropriate. They must also provide personal protective equipment at no cost and monitor temperature with detailed programs for acclimatization. Training programs on temperature stress, medical responses, and emergency procedures are required annually. The bill enforces communication strategies, record-keeping on illnesses, and stipulates policies to prevent discrimination or retaliation against workers who report hazardous conditions. Effective emergency response procedures must be in place, and the bill applies irrespective of immigration status. |
| Alma Hernandez | HB2381 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes 23-356 to enable employees to file written claims for unpaid wages with the department, provided the wage amount does not surpass $15,000 and the claim is submitted within one year of its accrual. It allows the department to assist in obtaining judgments and executing remedies such as garnishment or attachment for unpaid wages, following a final determination by the department. Moreover, the department can receive and manage payments on behalf of employees, placing these funds in a special state fund for proper disbursement, according to sections 35-146 and 35-147. The bill aims to streamline the process for addressing wage-related grievances up to the specified financial threshold. |
| Alma Hernandez | HB2380 | 01/16/2025 | The bill establishes the Arizona Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Department of Health Services to guide and advise on the needs of individuals with rare diseases in the state. The council will consist of diverse members appointed by the governor, including medical professionals, patients, and representatives from the health industry. The council’s duties include conducting public hearings, consulting experts, and developing policy recommendations to improve care and access for rare disease patients. It will meet regularly, create a public website for engagement, and submit an annual report to the governor and legislature. Members serve three-year terms and are eligible for expense reimbursements. The council can also seek gifts and donations for its operations. The bill highlights the challenges faced by rare disease patients and the need for more comprehensive healthcare solutions. The council’s initial appointments have staggered terms ending in 2028, 2029, and 2030. |
| Alma Hernandez | HB2379 | 01/16/2025 | This bill appropriates $10 million from the state general fund for fiscal year 2025-26 to the Arizona Department of Economic Security, aimed at enhancing support for the state’s aging population. Specifically, it allocates $5 million for home and community-based services and another $5 million for senior housing assistance. These funds are intended to be distributed to area agencies on aging to improve the living conditions and support systems available to seniors, thereby facilitating their ability to remain in their homes and communities. The bill’s effective date is not explicitly stated. |
| Alma Hernandez | HB2378 | 01/16/2025 | This bill amends section 8-249 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, addressing the restoration of the right to possess or carry a firearm for individuals adjudicated delinquent in juvenile court. It allows those who have completed their probation to apply for firearm rights restoration through the superior court in the county of adjudication. A discharged probationer can also apply for restoration with the juvenile court judge. No filing fee is charged for the application. However, individuals adjudicated for serious offenses, including dangerous or violent felonies, must wait until they reach 25 years of age to apply. For other felony offenses, applicants can file for restoration after completing court-ordered conditions, probation, or a discharge from the Department of Juvenile Corrections. |
