This bill proposes to amend the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new section, 9-500.54, which would restrict municipalities from enacting laws or regulations that require religious institutions or charitable organizations to rezone their property or obtain permits for distributing charitable foods, goods, or services on their owned property. This change aims to protect the operational autonomy of these organizations in their charitable activities.

The bill also defines key terms for clarity, including "charitable foods, goods or services," which refers to items distributed free to the public, and specifies that a "charitable organization" is one that is exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, it defines a "religious institution" as one that is owned and operated by a church or religious organization functioning as a nonprofit. These definitions are intended to ensure that the new regulations apply clearly and effectively to the intended entities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-500.54