2026 Arizona Legislative Session: What We’re Hearing So Far
The 2026 Arizona Legislative Session kicks off in just seven short weeks, and early conversations at the Capitol are already pointing to a crowded policy agenda. As always, which ideas ultimately become bills—and which of those receive hearings, amendments, or traction—will come down to committee chairs, caucus priorities, fiscal constraints, and the political dynamics of an election year. But based on what we’re hearing, here’s a preview of the major
What the 2025 Child Fatality Review Report Tells Us (Including Policy Recommendations)
Every year since the 1990s the Arizona Child Fatality Review Program looks at every child death in our state — from birth through age 17 — to see which ones might have been prevented. Their goal is simple but vital: to use what we learn to save lives. The 2025 report (the 32nd annual edition) shows that communities across Arizona — including all tribal nations and local review teams —
Where Does Arizona’s Medicaid Work Requirement Planning Stand? A Status Update & Summary
Arizona has been working on Medicaid work requirements for several years. AHCCCS (our state Medicaid agency) even received federal approval for a waiver to start work requirements in 2024 due to a law signed by Ducey in 2015. AHCCCS Asks Permission to Implement Work Requirements & Five-Year Benefit Limit – AZ Public Health Association But before the program could launch Congress passed HR1, which set new, national work requirements for
Kennedy’s ACIP Votes to Weaken the Birth-Dose Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendation
Last week the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to change a policy that has protected newborns for 30 years. ACIP is the group that advises the CDC on vaccines, and its decisions shape what shots are covered by the Vaccines for Children program, Medicaid, and private insurance… so they have a hardwire into vaccine policy and reimbursement. Arizona reacts to RFK Jr. panel’s decision on Hep B vaccine The
Public Health Journalism this Week
Arizona lawmaker proposes making ivermectin available over-the-counter Arizona flu rising E. coli linked to state fair sparks concerns – Arizona PBS Copa Health to operate new housing for Arizonans with mental illness RFK Jr.’s ACIP panel recommends delay in newborn hepatitis B vaccination | STAT RFK Jr.’s CDC spreads false facts about vaccines, autism, critics say Arizona reacts to RFK Jr. panel’s decision on Hep B vaccine
New NIH-Backed Study: Fluoridated Water During Childhood Linked to Better Academic Performance — Contrary to What Kennedy Claims
A landmark NIH-funded study published this week offers evidence supporting the benefits and safety of community water fluoridation, The study directly refutes the false claims Secretary Kennedy has made about community water fluoridation. Drawing on data from nearly 27,000 individuals across more than 1,000 U.S. high schools the research finds that children raised with recommended levels of fluoride in their drinking water tend to perform better on standardized tests in