Arizona Legislature Approves Groundbreaking Bill for Paid Parental Care for Disabled Residents—What Comes Next?

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has announced she will veto all incoming bills until the crucial House Bill 2945 is passed. This decision follows the recent approval of the bill by the state House of Representatives, aiming to address a funding gap at the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).

House Bill 2945 seeks emergency funding for DDD, capping parental caregiver compensation at 40 hours per week. The legislation received a 48-11-1 approval in the House, reflecting bipartisan support.

The DDD currently serves about 60,000 children and adults in Arizona with various disabilities, including autism and cerebral palsy. Without the proposed funding, DDD’s resources are projected to deplete by the end of April, posing a risk to vital in-home services.

Governor Hobbs’ moratorium on bill approvals comes after conflicts with legislators over a Republican-backed proposal that aimed to further limit caregiver hours to 20. Critics argued that such cuts could force many disabled individuals into institutional care.

The next step for House Bill 2945 will be in the state Senate, where its approval could lift the governor’s moratorium on legislation.

Democratic Representative Nancy Gutierrez from Tucson issued a statement emphasizing the bill’s importance in protecting essential services for the state’s most vulnerable residents. She urged the Senate to swiftly adopt this measure to alleviate the stress faced by affected families.

Meanwhile, Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro also praised the legislation. He indicated that the plan not only secures funding for the Developmental Disabilities program but also introduces safeguards to prevent future financial crises.

The passage of House Bill 2945 could mark a significant step in ensuring the stability and continuity of services for vulnerable populations across Arizona.