JULY 2024 - LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY UPDATE
The Arizona Legislature adjourned on June 15, 2024. This session saw 330 bills passed, 258 of which were signed into law, and Governor Hobbs vetoed 73.
It’s Over - Signed by the Governor
During this session, some interesting bills went through the legislature, like HB 2477, the bill that made Pluto the official state planet (FYI, Pluto has not officially been a planet since the International Astronomical Union downgraded its status in 2006. Apparentl,y word hasn’t trickled down to our elected officials). There were some disability-related bills signed into law, as well.
HB 2433 - Permits an inmate not convicted of a violent crime, per state law, to be released three months earlier than their earliest release date if they complete the Mental Health Transition Pilot Program and if they are deemed a low risk to re-offend. It was signed by the Governor on March 29, 2024. The bill has been mentioned in previous updates. However, it is important to the disability community because a significant number of individuals with disabilities interact with the justice system. This bill could allow individuals to get much-needed services sooner if eligible.
Other bills signed into law that affect the disability community:
HB 2137 - developmental delays; infants; toddlers
HB 2720 - accessory dwelling units; requirements
SB 1071 - peer support teams; information; disclosure
SB 1311 - mental health; oversight; data; documentation
SB 1594 - aggravated assault; developmental disability; exception
Vetoed disability-related bills in 2024:
SB 1435, also known as "Ava's Law,” is a bill passed by the Arizona Legislature that addresses immunity from liability in certain situations for public entities who discover a worker sexually abuses a disabled child in an educational setting. Governor Hobbs said she vetoed the bill because it needed to be more carefully tailored and thoughtfully executed.
As an organization, ADDPC has long taken a strong position in favor of protections against abuse, neglect, or exploitation of Arizonans with disabilities. Disability advocates, including our own Council members, must do all they can to protect vulnerable individuals in Arizona from the physical and sexual abuse that disproportionately affects the disability community. Currently, the Arizona Sexual Violence and Disability Network lists resources for prevention and
Let’s Celebrate:
How’s this for Independence Day? In addition to the annual festivities surrounding the ADA birthday this summer, disability advocates are celebrating the 25th anniversary of a landmark legal decision allowing Americans to choose where they want to live and maintain their independent choice of housing, even those with severe disabilities.
On June 22, 1999, the United States Supreme Court found in Olmstead v. L.C. that unjustified segregation of people with disabilities constitutes discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Court declared that public entities must provide community-based services to people with disabilities when:
- Such services are appropriate
- The affected individuals do not oppose community-based treatment or services
Read more about the anniversary of the Olmstead decision
Governor's Office Honors Disability Pride Month
As Disability Pride Month becomes more popular as a way to honor inclusion and self-acceptance in the disability community, we’re excited to work with the Governor’s Office to celebrate these important aspects of what freedom means for disabled people in the United States of America. Gov. Katie Hobbs' staff is planning a Disability Pride Month celebration by working statewide with local organizations to promote it. We will update you with all the festivities in our email newsletter and social media channels.
Have a happy Fourth of July and stay hydrated out there!
