The proposed bill would amend current statutes by adding a new section to Title 41, Chapter 1, Article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically Section 41-117. This new section mandates that starting January 4, 2027, the Governor must appear before the Legislature on the third Wednesday of each month during the legislative session to answer questions from its members. The Governor will alternate appearances between the House of Representatives and the Senate, beginning with the Senate in odd-numbered years and the House in even-numbered years. The Governor is required to respond to a set number of questions from both the Majority and Minority Leaders, as well as randomly selected members of the Legislature.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if the Governor is not present in Arizona, the Lieutenant Governor will assume the questioning duties. It also clarifies that the new requirements will not affect existing rights or privileges of the Legislature or the Governor, nor will they prevent either body from enforcing their own rules. The bill includes legislative findings emphasizing the importance of regular exchanges between the executive and legislative branches to enhance civic engagement and political knowledge among the public.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-117
House Engrossed Version: 41-117