With 2026 election looming, Arizona Legislature set to begin new session

PHOENIX – The second session of the 57th Arizona Legislature starts Monday with plenty at stake as lawmakers head into an election year.

“Opening day is both a celebration and a call to action. It offers a special opportunity for the Legislature to welcome their families and loved ones to the Capitol as we mark the beginning of a new session,” Senate President Warren Petersen said in a press release.

Opening ceremonies and activities at the state Capitol are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Gov. Katie Hobbs is set to deliver her 2026 State of the State address before a joint session in the House chamber at 2 p.m.

What are voters thinking as Arizona Legislature starts session?

According to recent public opinion polling by Noble Predictive Insights, Hobbs’ job disapproval level in December was at its highest point since the summer of 2024, at 43%. With a 44% approval rating, the Democrat enters the election year with a net rating of plus 1, down from plus 5 in February.

The polling also showed inflation as the most important issue for voters, followed by affordable housing and health care, topics that the Arizona Legislature will surely try to address as they court voters ahead of the Aug. 4 primaries and Nov. 3 general election.

Hobbs got a head start last month, when she announced that 141,000 Arizonans received $213 million in medical debt forgiveness through a state partnership with a national nonprofit.

Republicans in Arizona Legislature introduce tax relief plan

Meanwhile, Senate and House Republicans just announced the introduction of a tax relief plan they say would provide Arizonans with an estimated $1.1 billion savings over the next three years.

“It focuses tax relief where it matters most – working families, seniors on fixed incomes and small businesses,” Rep. Justin Olson, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, said in a press release Thursday.

The plan applies President Donald Trump’s tax cuts to Arizona’s tax codes.

“This bill will enable hardworking Arizonans to keep more of what they earn so they can more easily provide for the needs of their families,” Olson said.

The GOP proposal would increase Arizona’s child tax credit and create a deduction for child care expenses, according to Sen. J.D. Mesnard, chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

“We’re committed to moving quickly so Arizonans can realize a larger refund without delay this tax filing season,” Mesnard said in the release.

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