HB2571 proposes the privatization of the Arizona Highways Magazine, which is currently managed by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The bill outlines the process for selling the magazine to a private entity, including the requirements that the entity must meet, such as being based in Arizona, having at least five years of existence, experience in printing a magazine with a minimum of 10,000 copies per month, strong social media experience, and suitability to maintain the magazine's integrity.

The bill also establishes the Arizona Highways Magazine Advisory Committee, which will consist of members from ADOT, the Office of Tourism, and appointees by the Senate President, House Speaker, and Governor. The committee will advise the private entity that purchases the magazine and is set to be repealed on December 31, 2035. The initial terms for committee members are specified, with one term ending in 2026 and two in 2027, after which appointments will follow statutory prescriptions. The bill ensures that full-time employees at the time of sale are offered employment with the private entity or other state positions and that the private entity pays an annual fee to the Department of Administration. If the magazine is not published monthly, it will revert to the Department of Administration, which also has the first right to purchase the magazine if the private entity decides to sell it.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 28-7317
House Engrossed Version: 28-7317, 28-7318