Arizona State Senate

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
	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)

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
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
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.

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. Political responses overviewState reopening plansDocumenting America's Path to RecoveryElection changesChanges to vote-by-mail and absentee voting proceduresFederal responsesState responsesState executive ordersStay-at-home ordersMultistate agreementsNon-governmental reopening plansEvictions and foreclosures policiesTravel restrictionsEnacted state legislationState legislative session changesSchool closuresState court closuresInmate releasesLocal government responsesDiagnosed or quarantined politiciansBallot measure changesArguments about government responsesThe 1918 influenza pandemicPandemic Response Accountability CommitteeUnemployment filingsLawsuitsBallotpedia's polling on the coronavirus pandemicSubmit 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:

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
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]

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