The new bill authored by State Rep. Hernandez in the Arizona House aims to streamline how employees file claims for unpaid wages and facilitate department assistance in enforcement, according to the Arizona State House.
The bill, introduced as HB2381 on Jan. 16, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘wage claims; employment practices’.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, 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.
The bill was co-sponsored by Catherine Miranda (Democrat-11th District), Brian Garcia (Democrat-8th District), and Consuelo Hernandez (Democrat-21st District), along with two other sponsors.
Since the beginning of the session, Hernandez has proposed another three bills, with all 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.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
