Vacant Boards and Commissions: Republicans Push for a Clean Sweep

As Arizona grapples with over 200 boards and commissions suffering from significant vacancies, Republican lawmakers are aiming to reduce their number this legislative session in an effort to streamline government operations.

Recent analysis from the Arizona Capitol Times reveals that 16 boards are unable to conduct meetings due to a lack of members, while nearly 500 others are composed of individuals whose terms have expired. The governor’s office confirmed that there are a total of 2,038 positions across these boards and commissions, with approximately 16% currently vacant and 22% held by members exceeding their term limits.

Republican initiatives to deregulate and potentially eliminate these boards have gained momentum this session, propelled by influences from the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency. However, officials from Governor Katie Hobbs’ administration emphasize that these entities play crucial roles beyond mere efficiency metrics.

“Our administration is dedicated to delivering effective services to Arizonans,” a spokesperson remarked. “It’s vital that these boards engage in meaningful work that influences the daily lives of our citizens, rather than simply filling positions.”

Boards and commissions fulfill various roles in state governance, from regulatory oversight to advisory functions for lawmakers. These are typically established through executive orders or legislative actions signed by the governor.

Membership composition varies widely—some boards require professional expertise, while others welcome public participation without prior experience. While most positions are unpaid, some boards have paid staff to support their functions. Appointments are primarily made by the governor, but legislative committees, state agencies, and the judiciary also have roles in member selection.

Terms differ across boards, with some members serving fixed durations and others maintaining their positions at the discretion of the appointing governor. Consequently, ongoing vacancies necessitate regular appointments.

Laddie Guy Shane, who led constituent engagement and appointments under former Governor Doug Ducey, characterized the appointment process as a “constant revolving door.” His office utilized staggered term cycles to prioritize filling vacancies, especially on high-profile boards.

Currently, there are 97 boards without vacancies, including prominent ones like the Game and Fish Commission. In contrast, 16 boards lack a quorum necessary for official business, rendering them ineffective due to insufficient members.

Carlos Ramos, in charge of constituent engagement under Hobbs, noted that his office prioritizes appointments for boards unable to meet quorum requirements. Among the roughly 500 members overstaying terms, some were appointed under previous administrations and are either awaiting reappointment or continuing until replacements are secured.

Republican legislators have proposed multiple bills targeting the elimination of certain boards. Rep. Alex Kolodin has introduced legislation aimed at dissolving at least nine boards he considers unnecessary, yet only one that is currently nonfunctional would actually be repealed.

Previous efforts by former Governor Ducey to reform state boards yielded mixed outcomes. While some initiatives did not pass, others were successful in limiting board powers. Observers believe a bipartisan consensus for regulatory reform could facilitate future changes.

New proposals are also on the table to create additional boards, raising questions about the future composition of Arizona’s governance structure. Despite the existing number of boards, Ramos underscored their substantial impact on various industries and communities across the state.

“These boards perform essential work that affects the lives of Arizonans in countless ways,” Ramos stated. “Being involved can make a significant difference, even if it doesn’t seem particularly glamorous.”