Governor Katie Hobbs Signs 5 Bills, Vetoes 6 More as Arizona Legislature Wraps Up Key Actions
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Phoenix — Governor Katie Hobbs announced Thursday she had signed five pieces of legislation that will affect child welfare investigations, criminal justice and property documents.
The governor also vetoed six bills, including one she called "a shameful and misguided attack on public school librarians."
These actions represent the culmination of a busy legislative session as Arizona moves through critical policy decisions on child safety, education, and banking.
Bills Signed Into Law
Senate Bill 1092 prohibits courts from terminating probation earlier than the originally imposed sentence for "dangerous crimes against children."
The bill ensures that penalties for offenses like child abuse or child sex trafficking must be served in full, without the chance for early release.
"Victims and families should never have to worry about whether someone who harmed a child will get a break or be released early," said state Sen. Janae Shamp, R-District 29. "This law shuts down a loophole that allowed convicted child predators to ask for early termination of probation, and that is simply wrong."
Senate Bill 1126 prohibits any public or private school from not allowing an employee to speak to an Arizona Department of Child Safety caseworker investigating an allegation of abuse or neglect.
The bill additionally obligates schools to provide information or records on a pupil to a DCS caseworker if requested.
The governor said the legislation was a needed reform following the "heartbreaking deaths" of children known to DCS.
"SB 1126 implements critical reforms that will improve DCS's ability to investigate child abuse and neglect," Hobbs said in a statement. "It strengthens communication between caseworkers and schools, creating access to vital information that enables the department to effectively carry out its duties."
Senate Bill 1252 lists out requirements and specifications for who individuals deemed as an "assignee" in matters of transferring assets, as well as lists out the duties of the "assignor."
Senate Bill 1430 corrects errors and obsolete language in Arizona's tax statutes. It specifically removes the specification that the sale of cash equivalents and precious metal bullion must be to the "ultimate consumer" for items exempt from the use tax.
Senate Bill 1479 adds requirements for recording documents at a county recorder's office and creates a system for notifying property owners if the assessor receives a notice in change of ownership.
The legislation additionally modifies requirements for how property deeds shall be notarized.
Bills Vetoed
House Bill 2008 would have barred public school libraries from paying for certain professional associations. The bill, dubbed the "Library Freedom Act," specifically called out the American Library Association, which has faced criticism from conservative lawmakers over its book selection guidance and tracking banned books across the country.
Hobbs vetoed the bill with a letter that read: "Knowledge is power, not a weapon, and at a time when literacy rates are on the decline nationwide, I will not support legislation that deprives our children of the resources they need to reach their full potential."
HB2008 passed the Arizona Senate along party lines on April 1.
The governor also vetoed a bill that would have banned Arizona banks from using "social credit scores" in lending decisions.
"This bill is unnecessary and marks my third veto for this poorly constructed and unnecessary policy change," she wrote in her veto letter.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Steve Montenegro, House Bill 2903, would have barred the state from requiring a bank to use a social credit score when evaluating whether to lend money to a customer.
Social credit score bans have gained traction in Republican-led state legislatures in recent years amid fears that environmental, social and governance metrics could be used to deny financial services based on political views, religious beliefs or gun ownership.
States like Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia and Wyoming all passed similar legislation, according to a research firm which tracks ESG-related policies.
Other Vetoed Measures
Hobbs also vetoed four other bills:
- HB 2040 would have required public educational institutions to provide adoption information
- HB 2075 would have required school districts to publish employment contracts
- HB 2289 would have changed notice requirements for school district bond elections
- SB 1787 addressed zoning appeals
Legislative Session Continues
The Arizona Legislature is currently in session through May, with several key bills still pending in committee and awaiting floor votes.
Governor Hobbs's office continues to monitor incoming legislation and will take additional action as the session progresses.
The governor has made child safety and education access among her top policy priorities during this legislative session.
About Governor Katie Hobbs
Governor Katie Hobbs has served as Arizona's 25th governor since 2023. She is a former U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona and served as a federal judge for the District of Arizona from 2015 to 2019.