Arizona Disability Advocacy Coalition DAY AT THE CAPITOL

 By Jason Snead, Research and Communication Specialist

On Tuesday, February 6, more than 30 self-advocates came together to make their voices heard on different bills, meet with State Representatives and Senators, and learn more about the legislative process. During lunch, they even got to talk to newly appointed Representative Jevin Hodge (LD 1). Representative Hodge took a short video of the occasion and posted it on his X (formally Twitter) account.

The Council is currently tracking more than 100 bills in the 2024 legislative session. Listed below are several worth looking at:

SB 1024 - developmental disabilities; spina bifida. This bill would add spina bifida to the Department of Economic Security’s definition of a “developmental disability.” Currently, eligibility for Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) includes individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, cognitive or intellectual disability, and/or Down syndrome. This legislation would facilitate the ability of individuals with spina bifida to receive services through DDD.

SB 1037 - AHCCCS; comprehensive dental care. This bill would expand the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) benefits to cover comprehensive dental care up to $1,000 per year for adults.

HB 2547 - voting centers ban; precinct size. This bill bans voting centers in Arizona, requires in-person voting to be precinct-based, and limits each precinct to a maximum of 1,000 registered voters.

The voting center model promotes increased voter participation and removes obstacles for Arizonans with disabilities. Voters can choose the most accessible and convenient site.

SB 1600 - Officers; school employees; required training. Requires a school district or charter school to train each School Resource Officer or School Support Officer on how to recognize and effectively interact with children with disabilities.

HB2400 - School safety program; proposals. Makes several modifications to the School Safety Program, including expanding the costs supported by the Program and establishing a process for alternative Program proposals. Exempts school building blueprints and floor plans from public records.

SB1463 - Special education; transition services; requirements. Establishes the Individualized Education Program Advisory Council within the Division of Special Education, consisting of at least one director of special education, at least one parent of a child with a disability, and at least one student who is a child with a disability, appointed by the Arizona State Board of Education (ASBE) for staggered three-year terms, to develop a statewide template for individualized education programs (IEP) according to listed guidelines. Requires high schools to develop transition plans for students before they complete ninth grade or reach 16 years of age, whichever occurs first. 

The Council encourages everyone to learn more about this and other legislation and to get involved in the legislative process however they can.