House Democratic Caucus Calendar #6 [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a discussion on House Bill 2499, which appropriates $2.6 million and 12 full-time equivalents (FTEs) to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) for the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program in fiscal year 2027. The bill has passed through appropriations. House Bill 2500 was introduced next, proposing a supplemental appropriation of $1 million and 12 FTEs for the ESA program in fiscal year 2026. Concerns were raised about a reported 20% fraud rate in the ESA program. House Bill 2584 prohibits the use of public funds for genetic sequencing involving foreign adversaries. House Bill 2020 modifies the definition of interference or disruption in educational institutions. House Bill 2311 establishes regulations for conversational AI services, while House Bill 2371 allows AI-assisted arbitration in divorce proceedings, both receiving unanimous votes. House Bill 2409 creates an Arizona Artificial Intelligence Program within the Department of Education, and House Bill 2410 states that communications with AI can be considered privileged. House Bill 2456 restricts county zoning authority for small modular reactors, and House Bill 2457 allows utilities to construct new plants without meeting environmental compatibility requirements under certain conditions. House Bill 2805 expands the use of electronic signatures for educational and community candidates, though it may lead to nonpartisan races becoming partisan. House Bill 2908 imposes restrictions on Constitutional Convention delegates, and House Bill 4005 requires public schools to teach ethical uses of AI. House Bill 2772 mandates the Arizona Department of Transportation to indicate on licenses if the holder has a pre-hospital medical care directive. House Bill 2793 expedites the annexation of parcels owned by a single owner, while House Bill 2957 prohibits mandating the use of digital or mobile driver's licenses. HCR 2044 aims to ban state funds for policies addressing race or ethnicity, and House Bill 2257 modifies watercraft fee distribution. House Bill 2352 appropriates funds for procedural reviews by the Auditor General, and House Bill 2667 creates requirements for first-time homebuyer programs. House Bill 2812 increases funds for accumulated sick leave upon retirement, and House Bill 2941 charges motorcyclists with reckless driving for lane splitting. House Bill 2176 modifies how the Department of Health Services can deny applicants based on past license issues and sets timelines for decision-making on complaints. The meeting also covered several other bills, including HB 2195, which limits DHS access to nursing care personnel records, and HB 2307, which mandates out-of-state placement for dangerous defendants if no beds are available. HB 2435 allows internationally trained physicians to meet licensure requirements under certain conditions, while HB 2447 ensures CRNAs receive the same reimbursement rates as physicians. HB 2953 allows the Pharmacy Board to impose civil penalties for violations, and HB 2082 creates a commission for childhood cancer research. Other bills discussed included HB 2180, which appropriates $2.5 million for the Arizona REACH program, and HB 2686, which expands the definition of unprofessional conduct for physicians. The meeting concluded with various bills being pulled from consent for further discussion or amendments, including those related to water resources, land management, and wildlife regulations. A tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson was also included, highlighting his advocacy for economic justice and civil rights. The meeting emphasized the importance of continuing efforts for justice and support for working families, concluding with recognition of award recipients for their contributions to economic justice.