The proposed bill would amend existing statutes related to the verification of lawful presence for voter registration, driver licenses, and eligibility for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Specifically, it would require that the county recorder and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) verify U.S. citizenship and authorized presence in the U.S. using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program, or its successor. The bill mandates that both entities submit satisfactory evidence of a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) and outlines penalties for non-compliance, including potential funding reductions for ADOT and AHCCCS.

Additionally, the bill increases the frequency of reporting requirements for both ADOT and AHCCCS regarding their use of the SAVE Program. Reports must now be submitted quarterly, detailing queries, approvals, denials, and discrepancies related to immigration status verification. The bill also updates the reporting recipients to include the Auditor General and removes the requirement to send reports to the Director of the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the verification process for lawful presence in public programs and ensure compliance with federal requirements.

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
House Engrossed 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