Over 300 Striker Amendments Unleashed in Legislative Showdown

State lawmakers have introduced over 300 striker amendments during the current session, paving the way for both new legislation and revisions to stalled bills.

Striker amendments allow lawmakers to replace the text of existing bills with entirely new content, effectively creating new legislation.

This tactic has enabled legislators to bypass committees that choose not to hear bills, reintroduce similar legislation after initial proposals stall, and amend original bills that lack support.

Here are five notable striker amendments introduced this session:

Senate Bill 1424
Before: Originally presented by Shawnna Bolick, R-Phoenix, to allow alcohol-selling establishments to maintain records in any reasonable manner.

Now: The amendment now criminalizes impersonating a military veteran for personal gain. This bill, introduced by Rep. Walt Blackman, R-Snowflake, was stalled by Senate Judiciary Chair Sen. Wendy Rogers, R-Flagstaff, due to unresolved differences with Blackman. The bill showcases ongoing political tensions.

Status: Senate Bill 1424 passed the House on April 9 and will return to the Senate for further consideration.

Senate Bill 1543
Before: Introduced by Sen. Frank Carroll, R-Sun City West, to protect homeowners during bankruptcy when home equity rises.

Now: Now amended by Rep. Tony Rivero, R-Peoria, to facilitate Axon’s new headquarters in Scottsdale while circumventing a public zoning vote. The bill will ease building restrictions in light industrial areas, igniting debate over potential voter disenfranchisement.

Status: A third reading in the House was scheduled for April 10.

Senate Bill 1658
Before: Aimed to create alternative certification paths for veterinary technicians.

Now: The revised version focuses on clarifying humane treatment standards for domestic animals, introducing misdemeanor penalties for neglect, and reinterpreting basic animal care requirements. This amendment follows Senate Bill 1234, which stalled in the House.

Status: Senate Bill 1658 has passed the House Government Committee and awaits a hearing in the House Rules Committee.

House Bill 2300
Before: Proposed reporting requirements for public electric vehicle charging stations by state agencies.

Now: The striker amendment expands usable fuel blends in Maricopa County to help reduce gas prices. This comes in the wake of changes to EPA guidelines that had previously complicated Arizona’s air pollution reporting.

Status: The bill passed the Senate along party lines on April 9 and is set to return to the House for final approval.

House Bill 2872
Before: This legislation aimed to establish the Arizona Office of Defense Innovation to foster advancements in defense technology.

Now: Sen. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek, has introduced an amendment requiring confirmation for director nominees and the Arizona Commerce Authority’s leadership, emphasizing accountability to the governor and the Senate.

Status: The bill has moved past the Senate Government Committee and awaits a Senate Rules Committee hearing.