Arizona House GOP

06/02/2026

✅Rep. Rivero’s Second Chance Bill Heads to Governor After Unanimous Passage

HB 2749 allows eligible first-time offenders to earn misdemeanor designation after completing their sentence and staying crime-free

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) – State Representative Rivero’s legislation to give eligible Arizonans a second chance after completing their sentence has passed the Arizona House and Senate unanimously and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

House Bill 2749 allows a court to designate certain class 4, 5, or 6 felony convictions as class 1 misdemeanors, but only under strict conditions. The offense must be non-dangerous, involve no victim, and the person must have no prior felony convictions. The individual must complete all terms and conditions imposed by the court, including monetary obligations, and remain free of any subsequent felony conviction or misdemeanor offense involving a victim for at least five years after completing the sentence.

The bill excludes certain offenses from eligibility, including cruelty to animals, misconduct involving weapons, and failure to register as a s*x offender. Courts may grant the designation only when doing so is in the interest of justice.

“HB 2749 is about accountability, redemption, and common sense,” said Representative Rivero. “When someone commits a nonviolent, victimless offense, pays their debt, completes every requirement ordered by the court, and proves for years that they are living the right way, Arizona should not force that person to carry a felony label forever. This bill protects public safety, excludes victim crimes, and gives deserving people a fair chance to work, find housing, support their families, and fully rejoin their communities.”

Felony convictions can create lifelong barriers to employment, housing, professional licensing, and family stability, even after a person has completed every court-ordered requirement. HB 2749 gives judges discretion to review limited cases and recognize individuals who have earned a second chance through compliance and sustained lawful conduct.

Tony Rivero is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 27 in Phoenix, Peoria, and Glendale. He is the Chairman of the House International Trade Committee. Follow him on X at .

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https://azhousegop.com/rep-riveros-second-chance-bill-heads-to-governor-after-unanimous-passage/

Arizona House GOP Steve Montenegro Michael Carbone Julie Willoughby Rep. LD15 Neal Carter

06/02/2026

Lawmakers are cracking down on deed fraud scams with a new law set soon to take effect. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1479 into law on April 9. The law combats title and deed fraud and additional safeguards on private property and will take effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns...

06/02/2026

Did you know? Summer is one of the busiest seasons of the year for Arizona law enforcement and emergency responders due to increased travel, tourism, wildfire threats, and public events statewide.

That’s why the House Republican 2026 Majority Plan prioritized:

• Support for law enforcement recruitment
• Investments in fentanyl interdiction
• Wildfire preparedness funding
• Resources for emergency response teams

Arizona families deserve safe neighborhoods, secure communities, and leaders who back the men and women who serve.

06/02/2026

✅Chairman Gress Announces JLAC Approval of School Safety, Child Care Assistance Audits

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) – The Joint Legislative Audit Committee on Monday voted to direct the Arizona Auditor General to conduct two special audits focused on student safety and the use of taxpayer dollars.

One audit will be the fourth special review of school safety practices and will include the Phoenix Union High School District following serious campus violence incidents, including the stabbing death of a student at Maryvale High School. As part of a broader statewide examination, the Auditor General will evaluate whether schools have adopted and followed emergency response policies, properly investigated student safety allegations, and complied with Arizona’s mandatory reporting laws.

JLAC also approved a special audit of Arizona’s administration and oversight of the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), a program primarily administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security that provides child care assistance to qualifying families. Arizona spent approximately $573 million in federal CCDF funding during fiscal year 2024. Previous State Single Audit findings identified deficiencies involving provider oversight, questioned costs, reporting

The review comes as federal officials are warning of fraud and abuse in publicly funded assistance programs across the country. In Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Justice recently announced charges against 15 defendants in alleged fraud schemes involving more than $90 million in intended losses, including alleged fraud involving state and federally funded child care assistance programs. Federal officials have also raised concerns about similar risks in other states.

The Auditor General’s review will examine the approval and monitoring of child care providers, oversight responsibilities among state agencies, and the accuracy and propriety of program expenditures during fiscal years 2021 through 2025. The review may also include participating providers and any additional areas identified by the Auditor General.

“JLAC took bipartisan action to get answers on two issues that matter to Arizona families,” said Chairman Matt Gress. “Parents deserve to know whether schools are prepared to respond to credible threats and whether serious safety concerns are being handled properly. Taxpayers deserve to know whether hundreds of millions of federal child care dollars are being managed responsibly. These important audits will establish the facts, identify gaps, and help us determine what needs to change.”

“The fraud scandals unfolding in other states are a warning sign,” Gress added. “Arizona should not wait for a crisis before asking hard questions. When hundreds of millions of dollars flow through a program, strong oversight is not optional. This audit will help determine whether taxpayer dollars are protected, safeguards are working, and child care assistance is reaching the families it is meant to serve.”

The school safety audit, which was approved unanimously, will begin after completion of the third school safety special audit currently underway and is scheduled to be completed on or before December 31, 2027.

The Child Care and Development Fund audit will review higher-risk areas of program administration during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic periods and will require cooperation from state agencies and other entities involved in federal child care funding.

Matt Gress is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 4 in Phoenix and is Chairman of the House Committee on Education. Follow him on X at .

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https://azhousegop.com/chairman-gress-announces-jlac-approval-of-school-safety-child-care-assistance-audits

Arizona House GOP Steve Montenegro Michael Carbone Julie Willoughby Rep. LD15 Neal Carter

06/02/2026

🚑 SIGNED INTO LAW

Arizona House GOP Rep. Selina Bliss helped lead the House effort to strengthen Arizona’s EMS workforce.

Her HB2437 mirrored SB1235, now signed into law, cutting red tape for qualified EMTs and paramedics, including veterans ready to keep serving.

Stronger EMS. Safer communities.

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

Are you a service worker? Then you'll want to see what was recently vetoed ⬇️

Arizona House Republicans fought for real relief for hardworking Arizonans by advancing legislation to eliminate state taxes on tips.

That would have meant more money staying in the pockets of restaurant workers, hospitality staff, barbers, drivers, and thousands of service employees across Arizona.

✖️Governor Hobbs vetoed the effort.✖️

The Arizona House Republican Majority remains focused on lowering costs, protecting paychecks, and helping working families keep more of what they earn.

05/28/2026

For many Arizonans, the day starts and ends on the road.

Whether it’s a quick drive or a long commute, reliable infrastructure makes a difference for families, workers, and businesses across our state.

Smart road investments help reduce congestion and keep Arizona moving.

The Arizona House Republican Majority is focused on strengthening infrastructure so Arizonans can spend less time in traffic and more time where it matters most.