A new bill authored by State Rep. Villegas in the Arizona House seeks to revise local zoning regulations to enhance public health, safety, and welfare while considering property rights and municipal planning, according to the Arizona State House.
The bill, introduced as HB2444 on Jan. 16, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘local planning; residential housing; repeal’.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, 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.
The bill was co-sponsored by Rosanna Gabaldón (Democrat-21st District), Priya Sundareshan (Democrat-18th District), and Anna Abeytia (Democrat-24th District), along with 14 other sponsors.
Since the beginning of the session, Villegas has proposed one other bill, with none of them being adopted.
Villegas, a Democrat, was elected to the Arizona State House in 2022 to represent the state’s 20th House District, replacing previous state representative Andrés Cano.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
