ARIZONA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
2026 LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP
Session Overview
The Arizona Legislature adjourned sine die on June 13th at 4:45 a.m. In total, over 2,100 pieces of legislation were introduced which is the most in state history. 264 bills were signed into law and 151 of them vetoed.
The political situation at the Capitol continues to be divided, especially in what could be a pivotal election year. For its part, the Arizona Catholic Conference (ACC) is grateful that the most problematic bills again failed to pass, while several positive measures were approved into law.
Continued Efforts to Remove the Seal of Confession Defeated Again
Legislation was introduced this year to pierce the Seal of Confession (HB 2039) that gained national attention. Thankfully, through concerted efforts, we were once again able to successfully defeat this proposal!
Priests cannot break the Seal of Confession under any circumstances and proposals to do so demonstrate a continued and troubling threat to important religious freedoms. Arizona is fortunate to have legislative leaders that value this basic freedom, especially Representative Quang Nguyen, who did not allow this measure to move.
Failed Immigration Legislation
Numerous pieces of problematic legislation were introduced this year relating to undocumented immigrants but were not successful.
Amongst these unsuccessful efforts were proposals to repeal provisions voters approved in 2022 that created in-state tuition for all Arizona high school graduates regardless of their immigration status (HCR 2027 and HCR 2041).
Additionally, bills that would have required hospitals to inquire about the immigration status of its patients (SB 1051) and prohibited undocumented individuals and families from even using a bank or cashing a check (SB 1421) were also vetoed.
Defense of Human Life and Religious Liberty
While litigation continues in the aftermath of the passage of Proposition 139, many pieces of legislation to further erode Arizona’s strong pro-life laws were introduced but thankfully did not pass. These measures covered a wide range of issues including, among others, the repeal of laws requiring parental consent and prohibiting public funding of abortions (SB 1218 and HB 2653).
Similarly, an effort was made to legalize physician-assisted suicide (HB 2569), but it did not advance. Additionally, a proposed ballot measure to allow executions by firing squad (SCR 1049) and an effort to mandate IVF insurance coverage (SB 1347) were both introduced, but failed when they were not passed in the House.
The ACC was grateful that a positive bill (SB 1253) was signed into law so that baby safe haven protocols were updated and mothers wanting to participate will no longer be forced to leave the hospital before safely surrendering their newborn infant for adoption.
Preserving School Choice
Thankfully, legislative leadership this session preserved our extensive tuition tax credit and Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) programs that help thousands of children attend the schools that best fit their needs. These efforts included, among others, blocking legislation to eliminate the ESA program (SB 1264).
Nonetheless, it must be noted, that we remain concerned with efforts to place an initiative on the ballot this fall that could negatively impact large numbers of students currently on the ESA program if it qualifies.
Vulnerable Populations
It is worth noting that the foster care and chartable organization tax credits which tremendously help Catholic Charities and other worthy organizations provide vital services to the needy were thankfully preserved.
The ACC is also glad that the state budget was able to prioritize funds for efforts to help the homeless, prevent evictions, and to provide civil legal aid (SB 1487). Significantly, the ACC is glad that its suggested language was added so that legal aid would be used to help the poor while prohibiting uses for abortions, assisted suicide, or other problematic purposes.
Increased funding for extended foster care was thankfully approved to help young people navigate out of the program with the assistance of various educational, mental health, and other services (SB 1487). Additionally, legislation (HB 2440) was passed to allow a one-time extension of up to 90 additional days for eligible inmates who need further treatment or interventions to successfully transition into the community. Finally, an important study committee was created to review and recommend improvements to inmate mental health services (HB 2647).
Conclusion
The Arizona Catholic Conference is grateful to all the elected officials and others we worked with this past session. We are also appreciative of your support, and especially your prayers.
