“This year’s legislative session is set to be memorable, not just because of the historic bipartisan budget agreement. We had record earnings and sent a clear message about the state’s future. We are ready and cannot be stopped. – Governor Doug Ducey

Gov. Doug Ducey signed 387 bills into law during the second session of Arizona’s 55th Congress, marking a successful eight years working with legislators to position fast-growing Arizona as a land of opportunity. concluded.

Bills prioritizing K-12 education, public safety, water safety, infrastructure, veterans, health care and more go into effect today, September 24th.

Arizona Republic, Arizona Families, KOLD 13 covered several laws that affect the daily lives of Arizonas.

Below are highlights of the legislation that will come into force today.

Protecting Arizona’s Water Future

Arizona’s bold plan to secure the future of water goes into effect today. SB 1740 was a bipartisan effort across the House and Senate, legislative leaders, and Governor Ducey. The $1 billion investment will bring additional water to Arizona and fund projects to ensure Arizona families, businesses and agriculture continue with adequate long-term water supplies.

The governor will work with Arizona Senate Speaker Karen Huang, House Speaker Rusty Bowers, and leaders Rebecca Rios and Reginald Boulding to develop a plan to address the next 100 years of water supply. took an “all of the above” approach.

The investment expands the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority, creates a new board of directors, and empowers water providers and entities to develop water imports, conservation, efficiency and reuse, and new technologies into Arizona. Responsibilities are given to provide loans and grants.

Cracking down on crime at the border

HB 2696, sponsored by Congressman Leo Biasiucci, crack Clarify that individuals supporting illegal people-smuggling organizations or activities will be held criminally responsible for cross-border human smuggling. The law goes a step further to ensure that those who prey on the most vulnerable, including minors, are held accountable by the criminal justice system.

This law is based on Arizona law. Investing in monumental border security This year’s budget allocated more than $560 million to the Border Protection Fund. The investment is already being leveraged, Fill a gap in the border wall near Yuma.

Solidifies Arizona’s Position as a National Leader in Civics Education

Sponsored by Rep. Quang Nguyen, HB 2632 is an Arizona student civic capacity before graduating from high school. The bill raises the passing score for the Arizona Citizens Test from his 60% to 70%, allows students to take the test starting in middle school, and requires test score data to be published online.

In addition, the Governor signed SB 1497, sponsored by Senator Vince Leach, to establish the Arizona America 250 Commission.committee to plan celebration To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and strengthen founding teachings in schools.

Civics education has been a legislative priority for Governor Ducey since taking office.the first bill he signed into law Created Arizona Citizen Test.

Enhanced access to precision medicine

HB 2144, sponsored by Congressman Regina Cobb, increase access We provide innovative tests that help determine the most effective treatments for cancer and other diseases for patients and their doctors.

Governor Ducey celebrated the bill signed at the Dignity Health Cancer Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix in May. Arizona now joins only a handful of other states in mandating health insurance plans to cover biomarker testing in cases of clinical need.

Support Veterans

HB 2741, sponsored by Rep. Joan Osborne, Waiver of State Business License Fees For military spouses and honorably discharged veterans, helping people who have served their country start their own businesses.

The move adds to current rules that require agencies to waive the initial business license fee for applicants whose income does not exceed 200% of federal poverty guidelines.

parental protection

Sponsored by Rep. Michelle Udall, HB 2025 requires school administration committees to consider all classroom visits, tours, and observations by parents of enrolled students and parents who wish to enroll their children in charter schools or school districts. Strengthen parental rights by requiring the adoption of policies. .

Sponsored by Congressman Steve Kaiser, HB 2161 gives parents access to their children’s educational records. It also states that parents should be provided with the research language that their child uses.

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