Arizona State Senate

General Information
Party control: |  Republican
Session start: |  January 8, 2024
Session end: |  June 15, 2024
Term length: |  2 years
Term limits: |  4 terms (8 years)
Redistricting: | Commission
Salary: |  $24,000/year + per diem
Members
Total: | 30
Democrats: | 14
Republicans: | 16
Other: | 0
Vacancies: | 0
Leadership
President: |  Warren Petersen (R)
Maj. Leader: |  Sonny Borrelli (R)
Min. Leader: |  Mitzi Epstein (D)
Elections
Last election: | November 8, 2022
Next election: | November 5, 2024

The Arizona State Senate is the upper chamber of the Arizona State Legislature. Alongside the Arizona House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Arizona state government and works alongside the governor of Arizona to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Arizona State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Arizona State Senate meets in the state capitol complex in Phoenix, Arizona.

* All 30 seats in the Arizona State Senate are up for election in 2024.

* All 30 seats in the Arizona State Senate were up for election in 2022. The chamber's Republican majority remained 16-14.
* Arizona has a divided government where neither party holds a trifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor, while the Republican Party controls both chambers of the state legislature.

This page contains the following information on the Arizona State Senate.

* Which party controls the chamber
* The chamber's current membership
* Partisan control of the chamber over time
* Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
* A district map
* How redistricting works in the state
* Legislation currently under consideration
* Legislative session dates
* Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
* A list of committees

## Party control[edit]

### Current partisan control[edit]

The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Arizona State Senate as of September 2024:

Party  | As of September 2024

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| Democratic Party | 14
| Republican Party | 16
| Other  | 0
| Vacancies  | 0
Total |  30

## Members[edit]

### Leadership[edit]

The president of the Senate serves as presiding officer and is chosen from the Senate membership.[1]

### Leadership and members[edit]

* Senate president: Warren Petersen (R)
* Majority leader: Sonny Borrelli (R)
* Minority leader: Mitzi Epstein (D)

Office | Name | Party | Date assumed office

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Arizona State Senate District 1 | Ken Bennett | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 2 | Shawnna Bolick | Republican  | July 23, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 3 | John Kavanagh | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 4 | Christine Marsh | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 5 | Lela Alston | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 6 | Theresa Hatathlie | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 7 | Wendy Rogers | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 8 | Juan Mendez | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 9 | Eva Burch | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 10 | David Farnsworth | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 11 | Catherine H. Miranda | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 12 | Denise Epstein | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 13 | Javan Daniel Mesnard | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 14 | Warren Petersen | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 15 | Jake Hoffman | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 16 | Thomas Shope | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 17 | Justine Wadsack | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 18 | Priya Sundareshan | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 19 | David Gowan | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 20 | Sally Ann Gonzales | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 21 | Rosanna Gabaldón | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 22 | Eva Diaz | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 23 | Brian Fernandez | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 24 | Anna Hernandez | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 25 | Sine Kerr | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 26 | Flavio Bravo | Democratic  | May 8, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 27 | Anthony Kern | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 28 | Frank Carroll | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 29 | Janae Shamp | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Arizona State Senate District 30 | Sonny Borrelli | Republican  | January 9, 2023

### Salaries[edit]

See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
State legislative salaries, 2024[2]

Salary| Per diem
$24,000/year| For legislators residing within Maricopa County: $35/day. For legislators residing outside of Maricopa County: $251.66.

### Swearing in dates[edit]

See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

Arizona legislators assume office on the first day of the session after they are elected. Each regular session begins on the second Monday in January.[3]

### Membership qualifications[edit]

See also: State legislature candidate requirements by state

Article 4, Part 2, Section 2 of the Arizona Constitution states: "No person shall be a member of the Legislature unless he shall be a citizen of the United States at the time of his election, nor unless he shall be at least twenty-five years of age, and shall have been a resident of Arizona at least three years and of the county from which he is elected at least one year before his election."[4]

## Historical party control[edit]

Republicans won control of the Arizona State Senate in 2002. In 2022, they won a 16-14 majority.

The table below shows the partisan history of the Arizona Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2022. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Arizona State Senate election results: 1992-2022

Year  | '92  | '94  | '96  | '98  | '00  | '02  | '04  | '06  | '08  | '10  | '12  | '14  | '16  | '18  | '20  | '22

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Democrats | 12 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15* | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14
Republicans | 18 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 15* | 17 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 21 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 16
* The 15-15 split led to a power-sharing agreement between the parties.

### Before 1992[edit]

Arizona achieved statehood in 1912. From 1912 to 1966, Democrats controlled the state Senate after nearly every election. Starting in 1966, Republicans began winning narrow majorities in the chamber, with Democrats winning control in three elections: 1974, 1976, and 1990.

### Trifecta history[edit]

A state government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Arizona was under the following types of trifecta control:

* Democratic trifecta: None
* Republican trifecta: 1993-2000, 2009-2022
* Divided government: 1992, 2001-2008, 2023

Arizona Party Control: 1992-2024
No Democratic trifectas • Twenty-two years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year  | 92  | 93  | 94  | 95  | 96  | 97  | 98  | 99  | 00  | 01  | 02  | 03  | 04  | 05  | 06  | 07  | 08  | 09  | 10  | 11  | 12  | 13  | 14  | 15  | 16  | 17  | 18  | 19  | 20  | 21  | 22  | 23  | 24

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Governor | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D
Senate | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | S | S | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R
House | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R

## Elections[edit]

### Elections by year[edit]

Arizona state senators serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Arizona holds elections for its legislature in even years.

### 2026[edit]

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2026

Elections for the Arizona State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is on November 3, 2026.

### 2024[edit]

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2024

Elections for the Arizona State Senate will take place in 2024. The general election is on November 5, 2024. The primary was July 30, 2024. The filing deadline was April 1, 2024.

### 2022[edit]

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2022

Elections for the Arizona State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 2, 2022. The filing deadline was April 4, 2022.

In the 2022 elections, Republicans maintained their 16-14 majority

Arizona State Senate

Party  | As of November 8, 2022  | After November 9, 2022
| Democratic Party | 14  | 14
| Republican Party | 16 | 16
Total |  30 |  30

### 2020[edit]

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2020

Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 4, 2020. The filing deadline was April 6, 2020.

Heading into the election, Republicans held a 17-13 majority. Republicans lost one seat in the election, giving them a 16-14 majority.

Arizona State Senate

Party  | As of November 3, 2020  | After November 4, 2020
| Democratic Party | 13  | 14
| Republican Party | 17 | 16
Total |  40 |  40

### 2018[edit]

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2018

Elections for the Arizona State Senate took place in 2018. A hybrid primary election took place on August 28, 2018.[5] The general election was held on November 6, 2018. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to appear on the primary ballot was May 30, 2018. The filing deadline for write-in primary candidates was July 19, 2018. The filing deadline for write-in general election candidates was September 27, 2018.[6]

In the 2018 elections, there was no changed in the partisan balance of the Arizona State Senate.

Arizona State Senate

Party  | As of November 6, 2018  | After November 7, 2018
| Democratic Party | 13  | 13
| Republican Party | 17 | 17
Total |  30 |  30

### 2016[edit]

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for the Arizona State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 30, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2016. All 30 seats in the Arizona State Senate were up for election in 2016.

Heading into the election, Republicans held an 18-12 majority. Republicans lost one seat in the election, giving them a 17-13 majority.

Arizona State Senate

Party  | As of November 7, 2016  | After November 8, 2016
| Democratic Party | 12  | 13
| Republican Party | 18 | 17
Total |  30 |  30

Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

### 2014[edit]

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for the Arizona State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 26, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was May 28, 2014. All 30 Senate seats were up for election in 2014.

Heading into the election, Republicans held a 17-13 majority. No changed occurred in the partisan balance.

| Arizona State Senate

Party  | As of November 3, 2014  | After November 4, 2014
| Democratic Party | 13  | 13
| Republican Party | 17 | 17
Total |  30 |  30

### 2012[edit]

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2012

Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 28, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was May 30, 2012. All 30 Senate seats were up for election in 2012.

Heading into the election, Republicans held a 21-9 majority. Republicans lost four seats in the election, giving them a 17-13 majority.

Arizona State Senate

Party  | As of November 5, 2012  | After the 2012 Election
| Democratic Party | 9  | 13
| Republican Party | 21 | 17
Total |  30 |  30

The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012.

2012 Margin of Victory, Arizona State Senate

District  | Winner  | Margin of Victory  | Total Votes  | Top Opponent
District 8 |  Barbara McGuire | 2.9% | 51,138 | Joe Ortiz
District 6 |  Chester Crandell | 6.1% | 85,038 | Tom Chabin
District 18 |  John McComish | 6.2% | 96,199 | Janie Hydrick
District 10 |  David Bradley | 9.4% | 88,702 | Frank Antenori
District 28 |  Adam Driggs | 11.2% | 88,403 | Eric Shelley
District 9 |  Steve Farley | 11.5% | 89,380 | Tyler Mott
District 11 |  Al Melvin | 12.8% | 85,795 | Jo Holt
District 26 |  Ed Ableser | 13.7% | 48,240 | Jerry Lewis
District 20 |  Kimberly Yee | 14.2% | 73,187 | Michael Powell
District 17 |  Steven B. Yarbrough | 14.4% | 84,930 | Bill Gates

### 2010[edit]

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2010

Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on August 24, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was May 26, 2010. All 30 Senate seats were up for election in 2010.

Heading into the election, Republicans held an 18-12 majority. Republicans gained three seats in the election, giving them a 21-9 majority.

Arizona State Senate

Party  | As of November 1, 2010  | After the 2010 Election
| Democratic Party | 12  | 9
| Republican Party | 18 | 21
Total |  30 |  30

In 2010, candidates running for the state senate received a total of $2,954,711 in campaign contributions. Their top contributors were:[7]

2010 Donors, Arizona State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Public Fund | $751,935
Davis, Rich  | $36,230
Konopnicki, William  | $33,140
Kohner, Shawn  | $26,132
Kohner, Stephen  | $25,050
Downing, Theodore  | $24,450
Arizona Association of Realtors | $19,424
Cox Communications | $17,490
Bundgaard, Scott  | $15,000
Arizona Medical Association  | $10.580

### 2008[edit]

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2008

Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 2, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008.

During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $3,185,493. The top 10 contributors were:[8]

2008 Donors, Arizona State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Public Fund  | $1,537,268
Pierce, Stephen M  | $227,977
Friends of John Nelson 2006  | $40,631
Arizona Association of Realtors  | $26,956
Ohalleran, Michael  | $25,000
Elect Russell Pearce  | $23,393
Home Builders Association of Central Arizona  | $8,900
Arizona Medical Association  | $8,432
Salt River Project  | $8,200
Arizona Education Association  | $7,750

### 2006[edit]

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2006

Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 12, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006.

During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $2,571,504. The top 10 contributors were:[9]

2006 Donors, Arizona State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Public Fund  | $1,325,140
Hall, Doug & Karen  | $50,000
Stoll, William  | $43,445
Townsend, Elise  | $21,235
Ohalleran, Katherine  | $15,000
Arizona Association of Realtors  | $14,354
Ohalleran, Michael D  | $13,523
Haughwout, Mark  | $11,453
Salt River Project  | $8,496
Arizona Education Association  | $5,512

### 2004[edit]

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2004

Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 7, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004.

During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $2,274,490. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

2004 Donors, Arizona State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Public Fund  | $948,922
Vecchiarelli, Mary Jo  | $27,359
Mead, Slade  | $20,857
Arizona Association of Realtors  | $11,742
Salt River Project  | $8,250
Home Builders Association of Central Arizona  | $5,780
Fennemore Craig  | $5,540
Arizona Optometric Association  | $5,440
Arizona Democratic Party  | $5,008
Arizona Dental Association  | $4,940

### 2002[edit]

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2002

Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 10, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002.

During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $2,149,412. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

2002 Donors, Arizona State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Public Fund  | $785,660
Smith, David Burnell  | $60,685
Mead, Slade  | $53,250
Daniels, Lori S  | $38,202
Public Fund  | $26,970
Bennett, Cmte to Elect Ken  | $26,286
Burns, Cmte to Elect Robert Bob  | $12,606
Arizona Association of Realtors  | $11,140
Salt River Project  | $8,920
Home Builders Association of Central Arizona  | $6,770

### 2000[edit]

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2000

Elections for the office of Arizona State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 12, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000.

During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $2,127,230. The top 10 contributors were:[12]

2000 Donors, Arizona State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Public Fund  | $308,058
Nichols, Andrew  | $99,627
Public Fund  | $72,423
Arizona Republican Party  | $44,479
Alexander, Scott  | $29,401
Hubbs, Carole  | $23,250
Arizona Senate Democratic Campaign Cmte  | $23,151
Daniels, Lori S  | $23,000
Bowers Election Cmte  | $22,098
Martin, Dean  | $19,535

### Term limits[edit]

See also: State legislatures with term limits

The Arizona legislature is one of 16 state legislatures with term limits. Voters enacted the Arizona Term Limits Act in 1992. That initiative said that Arizona senators are subject to term limits of no more than four two-year terms, or a total of eight years.

The first year that the term limits enacted in 1992 impacted the ability of incumbents to run for office was 2000.[13]

### Vacancies[edit]

See also: How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

If there is a vacancy in the Arizona State Legislature, the board of county supervisors must select a replacement. The secretary of state is required to contact the state party chairperson to give notice of the vacancy. The state chairperson must give notice of a meeting to fill the seat within three business days of receiving notice.[14] The political party committee is involved in the appointment process only if the legislative district has thirty or more elected precinct committeemen.[14]

If the legislative district has 30 or more elected precinct committeemen:

* The precinct committeemen must nominate three qualified electors as replacements. If the Legislature is in session, this must occur within five days. If the Legislature is out of session, the committeemen have 21 days to nominate potential replacements. Each elector must receive a majority of the committeemen's vote to earn a nomination. The chair then forwards the three nominees to the board of supervisors. The board of supervisors appoints a nominee from the three names. If the committeemen do not submit a list of names within the allotted timeframe, the board of supervisors proceeds with the vacancy as if the district had fewer than 30 elected precinct committeemen.[14]

If the legislative district has fewer than 30 elected precinct committeemen:

* The board of supervisors appoints a panel of citizen supervisors within seven business days of a vacancy occurring. The citizen panel must submit the name of three qualified electors of the same political party as the previous incumbent to the board of supervisors. If the Legislature is in session, this must occur within five days. If the Legislature is out of session, the committeemen have 21 days to nominate potential replacements. The board of supervisors must select a replacement by a majority vote.[15]
* The person selected to fill the seat serves the remainder of the unfilled term.[15]

See sources: Arizona Rev. Stat. Ann. §41-1202

## District map[edit]

See also: Arizona state legislative districts

The state of Arizona has 30 legislative districts. Senators are elected from the same legislative districts as are members of the Arizona House of Representatives. Each district elects two representatives but only one senator.

Use the interactive map below to find your district.

## Redistricting[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Arizona

The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission is responsible for drawing both congressional and state legislative district lines. The commission is composed of five members. Of these, four are selected by the majority and minority leaders of each chamber of the state legislature from a list of 25 candidates nominated by the state commission on appellate court appointments. These 25 nominees comprise 10 Democrats, 10 Republicans, and 5 unaffiliated citizens. The four commission members appointed by legislative leaders then select the fifth member to round out the commission. The fifth member of the commission must belong to a different political party than the other commissioners. The governor, with a two-thirds vote in the Arizona State Senate, may remove a commissioner "for substantial neglect of duty, gross misconduct in office, or inability to discharge the duties of office." The Arizona State Legislature may make recommendations to the commission, but ultimate authority is vested with the commission.[16][17][18]

The Arizona Constitution requires that both congressional and state legislative districts be "contiguous, geographically compact, and respect communities of interest–all to the extent practicable." The state constitution further mandates that district lines "should [follow] visible geographic features, city, town, and county boundaries, and undivided census tracts." In addition, the constitution requires that "competitive districts be favored where doing so would not significantly detract from the goals above."[18]

### 2020[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Arizona after the 2020 census

On January 24, 2022, Arizona enacted new legislative maps after the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission transmitted its finalized plans to the secretary of state.[19] The commission initially voted to finalize and certify the legislative map plan on Jan. 21.[20] The commission's nonpartisan chairwoman, Erika Neuberg, joined the two Republican members—David Mehl and Douglas York—voting in favor of the map. The commission's two Democratic members—Shereen Lerner and Derrick Watchman—were opposed.[21] This map took effect for Arizona's 2022 legislative elections.

The commission previously voted in favor of the legislative map by a 3-2 vote on December 22, 2021, which was followed by a period for counties to request administrative changes before the final vote on Jan. 21.[22]

#### District map after 2020 redistricting[edit]

Below is the state Senate map in effect before and after the 2020 redistricting cycle.

### Arizona State Senate Districts
until January 8, 2023

Click a district to compare boundaries.

### Arizona State Senate Districts
starting January 9, 2023

Click a district to compare boundaries.

### 2010[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Arizona after the 2010 census

The draft state legislative map was passed on October 10, 2011, with a vote of 4-1.[23] The Independent Redistricting Commission met on January 13, 2012, to discuss minor technical changes to the state legislative and congressional maps, and the final maps were approved and sent to the Department of Justice on January 17, 2012.[24][25] The Department of Justice signed off on the new maps on April 26, 2012.[26]

## Sessions[edit]

### Legislation[edit]

The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Arizona State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.

### Dates of legislative sessions in Arizona by year[edit]

### 2024[edit]

See also: 2024 Arizona legislative session and Dates of 2024 state legislative sessions

In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 8, 2024, and adjourn on June 15, 2024.

### 2023[edit]

See also: 2023 Arizona legislative session and Dates of 2023 state legislative sessions

In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 9, 2023, and adjourn on July 31, 2023.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

### 2022[edit]

See also: 2022 Arizona legislative session and Dates of 2022 state legislative sessions

In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 10, 2022, and adjourn on June 25, 2022.

### 2021[edit]

See also: 2021 Arizona legislative session and Dates of 2021 state legislative sessions

In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 11, 2021, and adjourn on June 30, 2021.

### 2020[edit]

See also: 2020 Arizona legislative session and Dates of 2020 state legislative sessions

In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 13, 2020, and adjourn on May 26, 2020.

#### Effect of coronavirus pandemic[edit]

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Coronavirus pandemic
Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.

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Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The Arizona State Legislature suspended its session, effective March 23, 2020, through May 19, 2020, at which time the House reconvened. The suspension had originally been scheduled to last through April 13, 2020. The legislature adjourned on May 26, 2020.[27][28][29][30]

### 2019[edit]

See also: 2019 Arizona legislative session and Dates of 2019 state legislative sessions

In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 14, 2019, through May 28, 2019.

### 2018[edit]

See also: 2018 Arizona legislative session and Dates of 2018 state legislative sessions

In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 8, 2018, through May 4, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here.

### 2017[edit]

See also: Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2017, through May 10, 2017.

### 2016[edit]

See also: Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 11 through May 7.

### 2015[edit]

See also: Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 12 to April 2. The legislature convened a special session from October 28 to October 30, to settle a school funding inflation lawsuit. Legislators in the special session passed a $3.5 billion, 10-year deal for school funding.[31]

#### Major issues in 2015[edit]

Major issues during the 2015 legislative session included a $520 million budget deficit, settling a school funding inflation lawsuit and the state's college, and career ready standards.[32]

### 2014[edit]

See also: Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 13 to April 24.

#### Major issues in 2014[edit]

Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included student success-based K-12 funding and university funding.[33]

The legislature considered and rejected several controversial proposals during the 2014 session.[34] These proposals included a bill that would have allowed religious leaders to decline officiating same-sex weddings and a bill that would have banned cell phone use by teenaged drivers during the first six months of driving with a license.[34]

### 2013[edit]

See also: Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 14 to June 14.

#### Major issues in 2013[edit]

Losing super-majorities in the House and Senate, Republicans no longer wielded the same level of power and compromises were more likely. Gov. Jan Brewer (R) said her legislative priorities included education standards and simplifying the state's transaction privilege tax.[35]

### 2012[edit]

See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

In 2012, the legislature was in regular session from January 10 through May 3.[36]

### 2011[edit]

See also: Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

In 2011, the legislature was in regular session from January 10 through April 20.[37] Three special sessions were called in Arizona for 2011. The first special session was convened on January 19, addressing requests for a federal Medicaid exemption. A second special session was called by Governor Jan Brewer (R) on February 14, 2011. The special session ran in tandem with the regular session, and was convened to consider business tax cuts as part of an economic development package proposed to add jobs by encouraging businesses to expand and relocate in Arizona.[38] The third special session was convened on June 10 to extend unemployment benefits. The session lasted two days, and ended on June 13 without a vote on Governor Brewer's proposal. Brewer refused to call another special session until lawmakers support the unemployment extension.[39]

#### Session highlights[edit]

In the 2011 session, Arizona fixed its $1.5 billion shortfall by eliminating $1.1 billion in spending. There were no new taxes instated to help with the reductions, only tax cuts. The legislature sliced the corporate income tax rate from 6.9 percent to 4.9 percent.[40]

### 2010[edit]

See also: Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

In 2010, the legislature was in regular session from January 11th to April 29th. The legislature was convened in special session from February 1 to February 11.

### About legislative sessions in Arizona[edit]

The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[41] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

Article IV of the Arizona Constitution establishes when the Arizona State Legislature, of which the Senate is a part, is to be in session. Section 3 of the Second Part of the Article contains the relevant provisions. It states that sessions are to convene on the second Monday of January of each year.

Section 3 also allows the Governor of Arizona to call special sessions of the Legislature.

## Legislative roles and procedures[edit]

Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, the role of the legislature in the state budget, term limits, procedures for filling membership vacancies, and redistricting.

### Veto overrides[edit]

See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures

State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Arizona are listed below.

How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members in both chambers.

Two-thirds of members in both chambers must vote to override a veto, which is 40 of the 60 members in the Arizona House of Representatives and 20 of the 30 members in the Arizona State Senate. Arizona is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

Are there other special rules?

If the governor vetoes an emergency measure, three-fourths of the members in both chambers are required to override the veto, which is 45 of the 60 state representatives and 23 of the 30 state senators.[42]

Authority: Article 5, Section 7 of the Arizona Constitution.

"Every bill passed by the legislature, before it becomes a law, shall be presented to the governor. If he approve, he shall sign it, and it shall become a law as provided in this constitution. But if he disapprove, he shall return it, with his objections, to the house in which it originated, which shall enter the objections at large on the journal. If after reconsideration it again passes both houses by an aye and nay vote on roll call of two-thirds of the members elected to each house, it shall become a law as provided in this constitution, notwithstanding the governor's objections. "

### Role in state budget[edit]

See also: Arizona state budget and finances
Arizona on

Check out Ballotpedia articles about policy in your state on:
Budgets • Civil liberties • Education • Elections • Energy • Environment • Healthcare • Pensions

* * *

Arizona operates on an annual budget cycle, with each fiscal year beginning on July 1. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[43]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in July.
2. State agencies submit their budget requests to the governor by September 1.
3. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature five days after the legislature convenes. The legislature convenes on the second Monday in January.
4. There is no official deadline for passing the budget. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.

Arizona is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[43][44]

The governor is required to submit a balanced budget to the legislature but the legislature is not required to pass a balanced budget.[43]

## Committees[edit]

See also: List of committees in Arizona state government

Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

* Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
* Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
* Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Arizona Senate has 13 standing committees:

* Director Nominations
* Ethics Committee
* Finance Committee
* Government Committee
* Natural Resources and Energy Committee
* Senate Appropriations Committee
* Senate Commerce Committee
* Senate Education Committee
* Senate Elections Committee
* Senate Health and Human Services Committee
* Senate Judiciary Committee
* Senate Rules Committee
* Transportation and Technology Committee

## Constitutional amendments[edit]

In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.

The methods in which the Arizona Constitution can be amended:

See also: Article 21 of the Arizona Constitution and Laws governing ballot measures in Arizona

The Arizona Constitution provides for three methods of amending the Arizona Constitution—a citizen-initiated process, a legislative process, and a state constitutional convention. Arizona requires a simple majority to approve constitutional amendments. Arizona requires a 60% vote to pass ballot measures to approve taxes.

#### Initiative[edit]

See also: Initiated constitutional amendment

Article 21, citizens have the power to initiate constitutional amendments in Arizona. An initiated constitutional amendment is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends a state's constitution. Eighteen (18) states allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments.

In Arizona, the number of signatures required for an initiated constitutional amendment for the ballot is equal to 15 percent of votes cast for governor in the most recent gubernatorial election. Petitions can be circulated for up to 24 months. Signatures must be submitted four months prior to the election at which the measure is to appear. A simple majority is required for voter approval. Arizona requires a 60% vote to pass ballot measures to approve taxes.

#### Legislature[edit]

See also: Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

According to Article XVI, the state Legislature can refer constitutional amendments to the ballot for voters to decide. A simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for the Arizona State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 31 votes in the Arizona House of Representatives and 16 votes in the Arizona State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

#### Convention[edit]

See also: Convention-referred constitutional amendment

According to Section 2 of Article XXI of the Arizona Constitution, the state legislature can only call for a convention if it is approved by the electorate in a statewide vote. Any amendments, revisions, or proposals of the Constitution require a simple majority vote by the electorate.

2025 measures:

See also: 2025 ballot measures

Certified:

The following measures were certified for the ballot.

No measures to list

2024 measures:

Below is a list of measures that were referred to the 2024 ballot by the legislature.

See also: Arizona 2024 ballot measures

Certified:

The following measures were certified for the ballot.
Arizona Require Partisan Primaries and Prohibit Primaries Where Candidates Compete Regardless of Party Affiliation Amendment| Democrats| Republicans

|
|

Senate:| Required: 16| Yes votes: 16 (53.3%)| No votes: 13 (43.3%)| Yes: 0; No: 13| Yes: 16; No: 0
House:| Required: 31| Yes votes: 31 (51.6%)| No votes: 28 (46.6%)| Yes: 0; No: 28| Yes: 31; No: 0
Arizona Emergency Declarations Amendment| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: 16| Yes votes: 16 (53.3%)| No votes: 14 (46.6%)| Yes: 0; No: 14| Yes: 16; No: 0
House:| Required: 31| Yes votes: 31 (51.6%)| No votes: 28 (46.6%)| Yes: 0; No: 28| Yes: 31; No: 0
Arizona Distribution Requirement for Initiatives Amendment| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: 16| Yes votes: 16 (53.3%)| No votes: 13 (43.3%)| Yes: 0; No: 13| Yes: 16; No: 0
House:| Required: 31| Yes votes: 31 (51.6%)| No votes: 29 (48.3%)| Yes: 0; No: 29| Yes: 31; No: 0
Arizona End Term Limits and Retention Elections for Supreme Court Justices and Superior Court Judges Amendment| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: 16| Yes votes: 16 (53.3%)| No votes: 10 (33.3%)| Yes: 0; No: 10| Yes: 16; No: 0
House:| Required: 31| Yes votes: 31 (51.6%)| No votes: 29 (48.3%)| Yes: 0; No: 29| Yes: 31; No: 0
Arizona Wages for Tipped Workers Amendment| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: 16| Yes votes: 16 (53.3%)| No votes: 12 (40%)| Yes: 0; No: 12| Yes: 16; No: 0
House:| Required: 31| Yes votes: 35 (59.3%)| No votes: 24 (40.6%)| Yes: 4; No: 24| Yes: 31; No: 0
Arizona Legal Challenges to Constitutionality of Initiatives Amendment| Democrats| Republicans
Senate:| Required: 16| Yes votes: 16 (53.3%)| No votes: 12 (40%)| Yes: 0; No: 12| Yes: 16; No: 0
House:| Required: 31| Yes votes: 31 (51.6%)| No votes: 29 (48.3%)| Yes: 0; No: 29| Yes: 31; No: 0

## See also[edit]

Elections |  Arizona State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics

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|
|

* Arizona State Senate elections, 2024
* Arizona State Senate elections, 2022
* Arizona State Senate elections, 2020
* Arizona State Senate elections, 2018

* Arizona State Legislature
* Arizona House of Representatives
* Governor of Arizona
* Arizona Supreme Court

* State legislative elections: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018

* State government trifectas
* State government triplexes
* State executives
* State courts
* Ballot measures
* The State Legislative Decade

## External links[edit]

* Arizona State Senate

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Arizona State Senate, "Senate Rules," accessed February 8, 2021
2. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2024 Legislator Compensation," August 21, 2024
3. ↑ Arizona Revised Statutes, "41-1101, Section B," accessed February 8, 2021
4. ↑ Arizona State Legislature, "2. Qualifications of members of legislature," accessed January 24, 2023
5. ↑ Arizona State Legislature, "Arizona Election Laws & Publications," accessed June 7, 2017
6. ↑ Arizona Secretary of State, "Running for Legislative Office," accessed October 13, 2017
7. ↑ Follow the Money, "Arizona 2010 Senate Campaign Contributions," accessed April 23, 2015
8. ↑ Follow the Money, "Arizona 2008 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
9. ↑ Follow the Money, "Arizona 2006 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
10. ↑ Follow the Money, "Arizona 2004 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
11. ↑ Follow the Money, "Arizona 2002 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
12. ↑ Follow the Money, "Arizona 2000 Candidates," accessed April 10, 2013
13. ↑ Arizona Attorney General, "Legislative Term Limits," accessed February 8, 2021
14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Arizona Legislature, "Arizona Revised Statutes," accessed February 8, 2021 (Statute 41.1202 (A), Arizona Revised Statutes)
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Arizona Legislature, "Arizona Revised Statutes," accessed February 8, 2021 (Statute 41.1202 (B), Arizona Revised Statutes)
16. ↑ Supreme Court of the United States, "Arizona State Legislature v. Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, et al. - Appellant's Jurisdictional Statement," accessed March 6, 2015
17. ↑ Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, "Home page," accessed March 6, 2015
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 All About Redistricting, "Arizona," accessed April 17, 2015
19. ↑ Phone conversation with Valerie Neumann, AIRC executive assistant, Jan. 25, 2022]
20. ↑ Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, "Official Maps," accessed Jan. 21, 2022
21. ↑ Tucson Sentinel, "Arizona Redistricting Commission gives final certification to new election maps," Jan. 21, 2022
22. ↑ Arizona Mirror, "Republicans hold the edge as Arizona redistricting nears completion," Dec. 17, 2021
23. ↑ The Republic, "Ariz. panel's draft legislative map appears favorable for Republicans under initial measures," October 11, 2011
24. ↑ The Republic, "Arizona redistricting panel to consider last-minute changes to congressional, legislative maps," January 13, 2012
25. ↑ Ahwatukee Foothills News, "Redistricting commission ﬁnalizes Ariz. political maps," January 23, 2012
26. ↑ Arizona Republic, "U.S. Justice Department signs off on Arizona district maps," April 26, 2012
27. ↑ Arizona Republic, "Questions hang over the budget, major bills as Arizona Legislature makes quick exit," March 24, 2020
28. ↑ KNAU, "Arizona Lawmakers Recess But Continue Receiving Per Diem Pay," April 13, 2020
29. ↑ AZ Central, "Arizona House of Representatives reconvenes, but Senate's absence raises a question: Will this matter?" May 19, 2020
30. ↑ MultiState, "2020 Legislative Session Dates," accessed May 26, 2020
31. ↑ Arizona State Legislature, "Statement from Senator Driggs on education funding plan," accessed October 30, 2015
32. ↑ AZ Ed News, "Arizona legislators on the budget, education funding and standards," December 1, 2014
33. ↑ news.azpm.org, "Education, CPS Issues Expected to Top 2014 Legislative Session," January 13, 2014
34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 KSWT.com, "Arizona Legislature rejected controversial bills," April 28, 2014
35. ↑ Cronkite News, "Brewer, top legislators: Education, businesses priorities for session," January 11, 2013
36. ↑ ncsl.org, "Session schedules," accessed April 30, 2012
37. ↑ tucsonnewsnow.com, "Arizona Legislature ends session after an all-nighter," accessed April 21, 2015
38. ↑ tucsonnewsnow.com, "Arizona governor calls special session on economy," accessed April 21, 2015
39. ↑ Bloomberg Businessweek, "Ariz. Gov won't seek session without bill backing," June 15, 2011
40. ↑ Stateline.org, "States balance budgets with cuts, not taxes," June 15, 2011(Archived)
41. ↑ Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
42. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "The Veto Process," accessed June 22, 2017
43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
44. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024

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