The proposed bill would update current statutes by establishing the Arizona Border Coordination Office within the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) to improve collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies on border security and humanitarian issues. It would insert provisions detailing the Office's responsibilities, such as coordinating with federal agencies, creating training programs for emergency response personnel, and acting as a liaison for resource allocation. The bill also mandates the appointment of a qualified director and requires annual reporting to state leaders on the Office's effectiveness in border security initiatives.

Furthermore, the bill would appropriate $50 million from the state General Fund for FY 2026 to support the Office's operations, specifically for local law enforcement, emergency response, and humanitarian assistance, while prohibiting the use of these funds for immigration enforcement activities. It emphasizes compliance with federal laws and constitutional protections, ensuring that the Office's operations do not infringe upon federal enforcement authority.

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