The proposed bill would create the Arizona Border Coordination Office under the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) to improve collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies on border security, public safety, and humanitarian issues. It would appropriate $50,000,000 from the state General Fund for FY 2026 to support the Office, with a focus on local law enforcement, emergency response operations, and humanitarian assistance. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of these funds for immigration enforcement activities, which are designated for federal authorities.

The Office's responsibilities would include coordinating with federal agencies, developing training programs for emergency response personnel, and serving as a resource hub for border-related operations. It would require the appointment of a qualified director and mandate annual reporting to state officials on the effectiveness of border security initiatives. The bill emphasizes adherence to federal laws and constitutional protections in all operations conducted by the Office, ensuring that it does not assume federal enforcement authority.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 26-102, 26-108, 26-153, 41-1825, 26-152, 26-181