State Legislative Update - Summer 2019
The 54th Legislature, 1st Regular Session adjourned at 12:58am on May 28th, 2019, after 134 days of deliberation on bills and the FY 2020 budget. In total, 1,318 bills were introduced this session. 331 bills were passed by the legislature, with 320 bills being signed by the Governor and 11 receiving a veto. This year, there was an increased focus on the housing issues that are facing Arizona, leading to more legislative activity for the Department. In addition to the bills that passed throughout session, final budget negotiations resulted in a $15M appropriation to the state Housing Trust Fund. $3.5M of that appropriation is earmarked to be used on facilities, housing assistance, and support services for those who have been determined to be seriously mentally ill and chronically resistant to treatment. $11.5M of the appropriated funds are flexible, to be used at the discretion of the Department.
Below is a brief synopsis on housing legislation that was signed this session.
H2358: Landlord Tenant; Partial Payment; Assistance
Determines that a landlord’s acceptance of a “housing assistance payment” (defined) does not constitute an acceptance of a partial payment of rent or a waiver of a landlord’s right to terminate the rental agreement for any breach of the contract by the tenant. Payments made by faith-based organizations, community action programs, and non-profits are exempted.
H2569: Occupational Licensing; Reciprocity
A regulating entity is required to issue an occupational or professional license or certificate to a person who establishes residence in Arizona if the person is currently licensed or certified in good standing in at least one other state in the discipline applied for and if the person meets a list of other specified requirements.
H2747: Budget; General Appropriations Act; 2019-20
Appropriated $15M to the state Housing Trust Fund. $3.5M shall be spent on constructing or renovating facilities and on housing assistance, including support services, for persons who have been determined to be seriously mentally ill and to be chronically resistant to treatment.
H2755: Budget; BRB; Human Services; 2019-20
Expanded the purpose of the Housing Trust Fund to include that fund monies may be spent on constructing or renovating facilities and on housing assistance, including support services, for persons who have been determined to be seriously mentally ill and to be chronically resistant to treatment. The Department’s annual report shall also include the number of individuals who benefit from this housing assistance.
H2756: Budget; BRB; Revenue: 2019-20
Defines terms and modifies existing definitions relating to the Office of Manufactured Housing. A “factory-built building” excludes a panelized commercial building utilizing “open construction” (defined) and a panelized residential building utilizing open or “closed construction” (defined), instead of excluding any panelized building.
S1300: Low-Income Housing; Tax Exemption
The requirements for property used exclusively for affordable rental housing to qualify for exemption from taxation are modified.
S1482: State Agencies; Fee Increase; Limit
Except with prior review by or annual reporting to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, state agencies are prohibited from increasing a fee in an amount that exceeds the percentage of change in the average consumer price index as published by the US Department of Labor.
Arizona's Balanced Budget for Fiscal Year 2020
Arizona Universal Licensing Recognition
Zack Goetz is Arizona Department of Housing's Legislative Liaison.
He can be reached at [email protected]
Housing Matters | Summer 2019
