A new bill authored by State Rep. Hernandez in the Arizona House seeks to improve services and housing assistance for the state’s aging residents, according to the Arizona State House.
The bill, introduced as HB2379 on Jan. 16, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘appropriations; area agencies on aging’.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, 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.
The bill was co-sponsored by Matt Gress (Republican-4th District), Consuelo Hernandez (Democrat-21st District), and Lydia Hernandez (Democrat-24th District), along with four other sponsors.
Since the beginning of the session, Hernandez has proposed one other bill, and it was 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
