Gov. Katie Hobbs Signs 38 Landmark Bills: Transformations Ahead for Arizona

PHOENIX — As the state government in Arizona prepares for the Easter weekend, Governor Katie Hobbs has signed 38 bills into law while vetoing 33 others from the Republican-controlled legislature. The legislation addressed a wide range of issues, with proposals for everything from tech development to immigration reform.

Among the notable bills signed into law on April 18, 2025, was Senate Bill 1006, which renamed the Arizona Trial and Digital Evidence Fund to The Fair Jury Improvement Fund, ensuring it is funded by legal filing fees.

Senate Bill 1009 allocated significant funds to the Nuclear Emergency Management Fund, facilitating readiness against nuclear threats. This was an emergency measure and became effective immediately upon signing.

Another key initiative, Senate Bill 1021, expanded in-state tuition eligibility for AmeriCorps participants, Native American tribe members, and military personnel, also allowing ROTC cadets to qualify as in-state students.

The governor signed various other notable pieces of legislation, including Ava’s Law (Senate Bill 1106), requiring schools to inquire about an applicant’s previous disciplinary history during hiring. The new law encompasses teachers, aides, and staff from multiple roles.

On the workers’ compensation front, Senate Bill 1551 revised definitions surrounding “interested parties” and mandated the creation of a fee schedule for healthcare services related to workplace injuries.

Among the vetoed bills was Senate Bill 1164, known as the Arizona ICE Act, which would have allowed local law enforcement to detain individuals with federal immigration detainers.

The legislative process will see the newly signed bills automatically taking effect 90 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

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