Back at the Capitol: What’s Dead, What’s Moving, and the Most Radioactive Bill of the Session
We’re now well into the second half of Arizona’s 2026 legislative session. Many bills that affect public health have either stalled out or are crossing over to the other chamber. That means we have a much clearer picture of what’s still alive, what’s dead, and what still deserves serious attention. The Arizona Public Health Association has been tracking dozens of bills this session that affect health care, prevention, behavioral health,
Judge Pumps the Brakes on Kennedy’s Anti Vaccine Policies
Issues a Preliminary Injunction – Kennedy’s Decisions Likely Violate the Federal Advisory Committee Act A federal judge this week pumped the brakes on some of Kennedy’s actions over the last year that have undermined national vaccine policy. In American Academy of Pediatrics v. Kennedy, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction blocking Kennedy’s overhaul of the nation’s vaccine advisory process and reversing all of his vaccine schedule changes since last
Bill Spotlight – SB1212: Micromanaging Insurance Contracts & Undermining Childhood Vaccination
The Arizona Senate passed Senate Bill 1212 this week on a party-line vote. If it becomes law, it could make it harder for doctors to protect kids and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. SB 1212 would ban health insurers from paying doctors differently based on vaccination rates among their patients. In other words, insurance companies wouldn’t be allowed to include vaccination goals as a quality incentive in their quality-based payment programs.
Bill Spotlight: SB1813 – Ending the 55-Bed Cap for Maricopa County Residents at the Arizona State Hospital
SB1813 Hearing Monday in the House Health Committee Arizona’s behavioral health system includes an unusual rule that most people have never heard about: only 55 residents of Maricopa County can be admitted to the civil side of the Arizona State Hospital at any one time. The limit dates back to 1995 and came out of the Arnold v. Sarn litigation that reshaped Arizona’s behavioral health system through the 1995 Stipulation
Corporation Commission Scraps Renewable Energy Standard
Last week the Arizona Corporation Commission ended Arizona’s two decade long Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST), ending a policy that for 20 years required utilities to increase the share of electricity generated from renewable sources like solar and wind. The REST rules were first adopted in 2006 and required regulated electric utilities to get 15% of their power from renewable energy by 2025 including distributed sources like rooftop solar. Last
Agenda Posted: AZPHA Conference – From Crisis to Care: Improving Outcomes in Arizona’s Behavioral Health System
From Crisis to Care: Improving Outcomes in Arizona’s Behavioral Health System May 1, 2026: Desert Willow Conference Center The Arizona Public Health Association’s 2026 conference will focus on strengthening Arizona’s behavioral health system and improving outcomes for people with mental and behavioral health needs. Arizona’s behavioral health system sits at the intersection of public health, Medicaid, housing, courts, and community-based services. View Our Agenda This year’s conference will highlight innovative