The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend existing statutes regarding the verification of lawful presence and U.S. citizenship for voter registration, driver licenses, and eligibility for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Specifically, it would prohibit county recorders from registering individuals who cannot be verified as U.S. citizens unless they are confirmed through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program. Additionally, it mandates that county recorders and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) submit evidence of a memorandum of understanding with the DHS to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) and requires regular reporting on SAVE program activities, including queries, approvals, denials, and discrepancies.

Furthermore, the bill expands the reporting requirements for AHCCCS, necessitating reports on a broader range of immigration status queries and removing the obligation to report to the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records. It also introduces a schedule for these reports to be submitted quarterly starting December 31, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the verification process for lawful presence in Arizona, ensuring that public programs are accessed only by those who meet the established citizenship criteria.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-166, 28-3153, 36-2903.03, 16-131, 13-1602, 13-1802, 13-1803, 13-1814, 28-3315, 36-2021, 36-2501, 14-5304, 25-518, 28-1601, 28-3157