The proposed bill, SB1195, amends Arizona law to prohibit public entities from using public funds to promote or engage in various activities related to environmental and social policies. Specifically, it restricts spending on initiatives aimed at reducing meat and dairy consumption, promoting alternative proteins, limiting vehicle travel, regulating clothing purchases, tracking greenhouse gas emissions, and furthering Marxist ideologies, among others. Notably, the bill allows the Arizona Department of Transportation to use cameras for monitoring vehicle travel, exempting this from the mass surveillance prohibition.
Additionally, the bill grants any qualified Arizona elector the right to sue public entities for violations of these prohibitions, allowing for either jury or bench trials. If a violation is found, the court is required to issue a permanent injunction against the offending actions and award reasonable attorney fees to the plaintiff. The definition of "public entity" is expanded to include state universities and community colleges, ensuring that these institutions are also subject to the new restrictions.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version:
Senate Engrossed Version: