Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs followed through on her bill moratorium, taking action on numerous bills before the deadline on Thursday. The governor's office confirmed her decision, stating, "Until the Republican majority stops holding Arizonans with disabilities hostage and sends a bipartisan, negotiated bill to protect lifesaving services for people with autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, every other bill will be vetoed," according to the Office of the Governor.
Several bills were signed into law, including SB1006, which creates a fair jury improvement fund, and SB1009, which addresses nuclear emergency management appropriations. Other signed bills cover ROTC cadets' in-state student status, an increase in the postconviction relief hourly rate, and appropriations for named claimants. However, the governor vetoed several bills, including SB1027, concerning construction requirements for critical telecommunications infrastructure, SB1164, related to local immigration law enforcement, and SB1441, which aimed to make school district elections partisan. The reasons for each veto were published on the Office of the Governor's website.
Governor Hobbs has vetoed bills such as HB2006, which deals with election mailings and third-party disclosures, and HB2169, which focuses on school board meetings and expenditures. She explained her vetoes through public letters, stating that these bills could affect Arizona’s community and state infrastructure. The governor has emphasized her goal of passing legislation that supports the well-being of vulnerable groups, as stated by the Office of the Governor.
