States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Okla. A.G. Drummond Comments on President Trump's State of the Union Address
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Feb. 27 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following statement on Feb. 25, 2026:
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Drummond comments on President Trump's State of the Union address
Attorney General Gentner Drummond released the following statement after President Trump's State of the Union address:
"President Donald J. Trump has made public safety a priority again by securing the border, confronting foreign criminals and standing up in defense of American families.
Working with his administration, we have taken decisive action right here in Oklahoma, shutting down Mexican
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Feb. 27 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following statement on Feb. 25, 2026:
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Drummond comments on President Trump's State of the Union address
Attorney General Gentner Drummond released the following statement after President Trump's State of the Union address:
"President Donald J. Trump has made public safety a priority again by securing the border, confronting foreign criminals and standing up in defense of American families.
Working with his administration, we have taken decisive action right here in Oklahoma, shutting down Mexicancartels and Chinese crime syndicates that threaten our communities.
This is what leadership looks like. This is what resolve produces. America has never been stronger."
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/february/drummond-comments-on-president-trumps-state-of-the-union-address.html
Minn. Gov. Walz Announces Comprehensive Anti-Fraud Package to Fight Fraud in State Programs
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Feb. 27 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:
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Governor Walz Announces Comprehensive Anti-Fraud Package to Fight Fraud in State Programs
Governor Tim Walz today introduced a comprehensive legislative package aimed at preventing, detecting, investigating, and holding accountable those who commit fraud in Minnesota's state programs. The Governor was joined by Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Shireen Gandhi, DHS Inspector General James Clark, and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Superintendent Drew Evans.
"Fraud steals
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Feb. 27 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:
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Governor Walz Announces Comprehensive Anti-Fraud Package to Fight Fraud in State Programs
Governor Tim Walz today introduced a comprehensive legislative package aimed at preventing, detecting, investigating, and holding accountable those who commit fraud in Minnesota's state programs. The Governor was joined by Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Shireen Gandhi, DHS Inspector General James Clark, and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Superintendent Drew Evans.
"Fraud stealsfrom the people of Minnesota and undermines the programs we all rely on," said Governor Walz. "This package strengthens oversight, improves detection, expands enforcement, and increases penalties to protect every dollar Minnesotans depend on. We've followed the experts, audits, and proven roadmaps; now it's time for the Legislature to act."
The proposal builds on steps taken over the past several years, including the creation of the BCA's Financial Crimes and Fraud Section, the appointment of a statewide Director of Program Integrity, executive orders empowering state agencies to combat fraud, and improved leadership at DHS. The package incorporates recommendations from independent experts and Director Tim O'Malley's roadmap, focusing on proactive prevention, stronger accountability, and modernized systems.
Key elements of the Governor's Anti-Fraud Package include:
Better Detection and Oversight
* Strengthens program integrity in Managed Care Organizations
* Expands audit and internal control capacity to ensure funds are properly spent and misused dollars are recovered.
* Uses predictive analytics and machine learning to identify suspicious billing earlier.
* Prohibits legislatively named grants, requiring competitive processes to ensure fairness and transparency.
Strengthened Investigative and Enforcement Authority
* Establishes a centralized Office of Inspector General to lead statewide fraud prevention, set standards, and refer cases for civil or criminal enforcement.
* Expands BCA Financial Crimes and Fraud Unit capacity and subpoena authority.
* Enhances authority for on-site investigations across Minnesota Health Care Programs, including providers who have not yet billed claims.
* Adds capacity for fraud prevention at the Department of Revenue and the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Unit.
* Establishes permanent bans from state contracts and grants for individuals convicted of fraud, including new businesses and subcontractors.
Increased Criminal Penalties
* Creates a new Theft of Public Funds statute, increasing penalties by 20 percent.
* Extends statutes of limitations to seven years for certain fraud-related crimes.
The Governor's full anti-fraud package is available here (https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MNGOV/2026/02/26/file_attachments/3566317/Anti-Fraud%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf).
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/727986
Arkansas Department of Agriculture, USA Rice Partner to Expand Rice in Schools Program
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Feb. 27 -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026:
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Arkansas Department of Agriculture, USA Rice Partner to Expand Rice in Schools Program
USA Rice Federation has donated 10 commercial rice cookers to support the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Rice in Schools Program, expanding participating schools' ability to serve Arkansas-grown rice in cafeterias across the state.
The donated equipment will help schools prepare rice-based meals more efficiently, improving students' access to nutritious, locally sourced
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LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Feb. 27 -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026:
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Arkansas Department of Agriculture, USA Rice Partner to Expand Rice in Schools Program
USA Rice Federation has donated 10 commercial rice cookers to support the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Rice in Schools Program, expanding participating schools' ability to serve Arkansas-grown rice in cafeterias across the state.
The donated equipment will help schools prepare rice-based meals more efficiently, improving students' access to nutritious, locally sourcedfoods while strengthening connections between students and Arkansas agriculture.
"Through Arkansas Rice in Schools, a key part of the Arkansas Plate Initiative, we're increasing the use of Arkansas-grown rice in school meals while strengthening the connection between students, agriculture, and good nutrition," said Governor Sanders. "I'm grateful to USA Rice for expanding this effort and investing in both our farmers and the next generation."
"We are grateful that we have the opportunity to support Governor Sanders' Rice in Schools Program this year," said Peter Bachmann, President and CEO of USA Rice. "This first of its kind rice initiative will propel Arkansas from not only the top rice producing state, but to the state with the highest utilization rate in its schools. Additionally, the initiative will foster a better connection for students to where their food comes from and increase their understanding around nutrition."
"USA Rice's generous donation of these rice cookers will make a real difference for schools and students across Arkansas," said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. "With Governor Sanders' strong support for agriculture and nutrition, partnerships like this allow us to connect our farmers to our classrooms and ensure students have access to healthy, Arkansas-grown food."
The donated rice cookers will be placed in the following participating schools:
* Atkins Middle School, Atkins
* Batesville High School, Batesville
* Brookland Jr. High School/Brookland High School, Brookland
* Corning Public Schools, Corning
* Dover School District, Dover
* Frank Mitchell Intermediate School, Vilonia
* Harrison School District, Harrison
* Nettleton Jr. High School, Jonesboro
* Siloam Springs High School, Siloam Springs
* Ward Central Elementary School, Cabot
Twenty schools serving more than 11,400 students daily are participating in the Rice in Schools Program during the 2025-2026 school year. Currently, none of the participating schools have dedicated rice cookers, and ten schools identified commercial rice cookers as critical equipment needed to fully integrate rice into their meal programs. The donation from USA Rice directly addresses this need and strengthens schools' capacity to offer consistent, high-quality rice-based meals.
In addition to the equipment donation, USA Rice has played a key role in supporting the program's implementation by providing recipes, educational materials, and technical assistance to help introduce students to rice production and the broader agriculture industry.
Launched by Governor Sanders in September 2025, the Rice in Schools Program increases the use of Arkansas-grown rice in school meal programs while strengthening connections between students, agriculture, and nutrition. Participating schools feature locally grown rice in meals, host hands-on cooking demonstrations known as "demo days," and receive classroom resources focused on agriculture and nutrition education.
The program is a key component of the Arkansas Plate Initiative, a statewide effort to connect Arkansas producers with schools and communities through nutritious, locally sourced foods.
Ward Central Elementary School was the first school to host a Rice in Schools demo day, serving a fried rice recipe featuring Arkansas-grown rice, cabbage and carrots from the school garden, Arkansas-raised chicken and eggs, and soy sauce made with Arkansas soybeans. The event reached 307 kindergarten through fourth-grade students, with 74 percent reporting that they loved the recipe.
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Original text here: https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/news/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-usa-rice-partner-to-expand-rice-in-schools-program/
Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee and AZ529, Arizona's Education Savings Plan, Announce Statewide Future Career Art Contest Winners
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 27 -- Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026:
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Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee and AZ529, Arizona's Education Savings Plan, Announce Statewide Future Career Art Contest Winners
19 Winners Selected from a Record-high of 906 Entries
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Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee honored 19 Arizona kindergarten through sixth grade students as winners of the fourth-annual AZ529 Future Career Art Contest. The 19 winners represent different schools among district, charter, private schools, Bureau of Indian Education and homeschools, representing
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 27 -- Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026:
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Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee and AZ529, Arizona's Education Savings Plan, Announce Statewide Future Career Art Contest Winners
19 Winners Selected from a Record-high of 906 Entries
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Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee honored 19 Arizona kindergarten through sixth grade students as winners of the fourth-annual AZ529 Future Career Art Contest. The 19 winners represent different schools among district, charter, private schools, Bureau of Indian Education and homeschools, representingall of Arizona's 15 counties.
"Through our statewide contests, we continue to spark excitement in young people about their future careers and encourage them to start planning early for higher-education expenses. We've reached communities across Arizona to share this important message about expanding educational possibilities for every student. An AZ529 Education Savings Plan helps make that journey possible," said Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee. "Each winning student received $529 to open or contribute to an AZ529 Education Savings Plan, giving them a boost towards their long-term goals. These savings can open doors to countless pathways, including college, community college, trade school, workforce training, apprenticeships and more."
AZ529, Arizona's Education Savings Plan together with the Arizona State Treasurer's Office invited K6th graders across Arizona to draw, paint or find a creative way to make an art piece representing their dream job. A total of 19 winners were selected from 906 entries. The entries were reviewed by a panel of judges and scored based on the content, creativity, organization and originality of the artwork.
"We saw a record number of entries in this year's contest, with students from every part of Arizona submitting artwork that showcased their vision of a dream job and highlighted the creativity of our state's future leaders," said Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee. "As I've visited all 15 counties to promote the AZ529 Education Savings Plan, it's wonderful to see families of all income levels begin to create endless possibilities for their children by investing in an AZ529 Plan. In just 64 months under my leadership, we have helped families open more than 67,588 new AZ529 accounts."
The AZ529 Education Savings Plan offers a tax-free approach to setting money aside for college, community college, vocational training, trade school and other educational avenues for high school graduates. Arizona residents can receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax deduction for contributions made to an AZ529 account each year, of up to $2,000 per beneficiary or $4,000 per beneficiary, depending on filing status. Funds earned over time will remain tax-free when used for a wide variety of covered educational expenses. Additionally, 529 plan beneficiaries can now rollover unused funds into a Roth IRA, up to a $35,000 lifetime limit free of income tax or tax penalties. Friends and family members may also add to a child's AZ529 Plan at any time and earn the same tax benefits for themselves. For more information about AZ529, visit http://www.az529.gov.
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2026 AZ529 Future Career Art Contest Winners:
Kindergarten:
* Ava, Salt River Elementary Tribal School, Maricopa County
1st Grade:
* Julianna, Homeschool, Cochise County
* Maritza, Kenilworth Elementary School, Maricopa County
2nd Grade:
* Kloe, Charles Bejarano Elementary School, Gila County
* Akira, New Vistas Center for Education, Maricopa County
* Sagan, Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8 School, Pima County
3rd Grade:
* Sofia, Thatcher Elementary School, Graham County
* Addison, Bonnie Brennan Elementary School, Navajo County
* Leonardo, Calabasas School, Santa Cruz County
4th Grade:
* Owen, Sanders Elementary School, Apache County
* Everleigh, Mountain Charter School, Coconino County
* John, Salome Elementary School, La Paz County
* Tala, Running River Private School, Yavapai County
5th Grade
* Amiana, Bonita Elementary School, Graham County
* Tomi, Legacy Traditional School - NW Tucson, Pima County
* Kenya, Tierra Del Sol Elementary, Yuma County
6th Grade
* Jennifer, Fairbanks Middle School, Greenlee County
* Savannah, Desert Star Academy, Mohave County
* Roberto, Mary C. O'Brien Elementary, Pinal County
To see the winning artwork, visit https://az529.gov/art-contest-winners/.
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Original text here: https://www.aztreasury.gov/_files/ugd/8bb536_0740bb1294594352bb354c1bec83f9f8.pdf
Ariz. State Senate Republicans Move to Stop Federal EPA Overreach
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 27 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026:
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Senate Republicans Move to Stop Federal EPA Overreach
Arizona Senate Republicans are pushing back on federal overreach, advancing a memorial urging Congress to intervene and rein in unchecked regulatory expansion by the Environmental Protection Agency. Federal regulators have imposed sweeping rules without clear authorization from Congress, burdening Arizona's economy, increasing costs for families and businesses, and shifting decision-making away from elected representatives.
SCM
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 27 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026:
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Senate Republicans Move to Stop Federal EPA Overreach
Arizona Senate Republicans are pushing back on federal overreach, advancing a memorial urging Congress to intervene and rein in unchecked regulatory expansion by the Environmental Protection Agency. Federal regulators have imposed sweeping rules without clear authorization from Congress, burdening Arizona's economy, increasing costs for families and businesses, and shifting decision-making away from elected representatives.
SCM1004, sponsored by Majority Whip Frank Carroll, passed the Senate with only Republican support and now heads to the House for consideration. The measure calls on the U.S. Congress to clearly define the EPA's powers and responsibilities, and limit regulatory actions that extend beyond congressional intent. Although the EPA was established to protect clean air, land, and water based on sound science and fair enforcement of federal law, Lawmakers contend that the agency has increasingly relied on vague statutory authority to justify broad regulations that have significant economic impacts.
"Federal overreach by the EPA has gone too far, and the people of Arizona are bearing the consequences," said Majority Whip Carroll. "This memorial establishes a definitive principle: Congress makes the laws, and agencies enforce them. Protecting the environment should never justify bypassing the Constitution, hindering economic growth, or overwhelming states with excessive regulations. When unelected regulators interpret vague laws beyond their intended scope, accountability diminishes, leading to real-world consequences such as higher costs, fewer jobs, and endless bureaucratic red tape for families and employers who are simply trying to comply. This memorial makes it clear: Congress must define the law, and agencies must operate within that framework. Protecting the environment and promoting economic freedom are not mutually exclusive; both require transparency, clear limits, and respect for the constitutional roles of each branch of government and the citizens they serve."
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/senate-republicans-move-to-stop-federal-epa-overreach
Ariz. State Senate Republicans Move Transportation Package Improving Safety, Infrastructure, Next-Generation Mobility
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 27 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026:
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Senate Republicans Move Transportation Package Improving Safety, Infrastructure, Next-Generation Mobility
Senate Republicans are pushing forward measures to modernize Arizona's transportation systems, improve roadway safety, and support emerging mobility technologies.
This week, the Senate approved SB 1024, sponsored by Senate Appropriations, Transportation, & Technology Committee Chair David Farnsworth, which establishes vehicle registration, licensing compatibility,
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 27 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026:
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Senate Republicans Move Transportation Package Improving Safety, Infrastructure, Next-Generation Mobility
Senate Republicans are pushing forward measures to modernize Arizona's transportation systems, improve roadway safety, and support emerging mobility technologies.
This week, the Senate approved SB 1024, sponsored by Senate Appropriations, Transportation, & Technology Committee Chair David Farnsworth, which establishes vehicle registration, licensing compatibility,and license plate requirements for roadable aircraft--vehicles capable of operating on roads and in the air. The measure integrates existing federal aviation registration with Arizona vehicle laws so roadable aircraft can legally operate on public roadways.
"Arizona is at the forefront of emerging transportation technologies, and we need clear rules to encourage innovation while maintaining safety," said Senator Farnsworth. "This bill paves the way for advanced mobility solutions that could transform how Arizonans travel."
The Senate also approved SB 1059, sponsored by Senator Wendy Rogers, appropriating $9.2 million from the general fund for planning, design, construction, and necessary right-of-way acquisition for a dedicated right-turn lane at the SR 87 and SR 260 intersection to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
"This busy junction in Payson serves as the main gateway for folks from the Valley heading up to the Mogollon Rim and mountains for weekend getaways--think families loading up for cabins, lakes, or hiking in the cooler high country," said Senator Rogers. "On busy weekends, especially Fridays northbound and Sundays southbound, traffic often backs up bumper-to-bumper as thousands escape the heat for recreation. This targeted improvement will help ease those bottlenecks and make drives safer for everyone relying on these routes."
Finally, the Senate approved SB 1624, sponsored by Senator David Gowan, which caps civil penalties for photo enforcement violations at $75, prohibits license suspension or insurance rate increases based solely on those violations, and clarifies that recipients are not required to respond to mailed notices before formal service.
"Photo radar should promote safety, not function as an automatic revenue stream.," said Senator Gowan. "This reform restores fairness by limiting excessive penalties while protecting drivers from insurance or licensing consequences tied to automated citations."
Together, these bills advance new transportation technologies, deliver targeted safety improvements, and invest in practical infrastructure upgrades across Arizona.
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/senate-republicans-move-transportation-package
Ariz. House Republicans Vote to Keep Kids in Class While Democrats Defend Walkouts and Shutdowns
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 27 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026:
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House Republicans Vote to Keep Kids in Class While Democrats Defend Walkouts and Shutdowns
Rep. Matt Gress's HB 2313 protects classroom time after organized sick-outs shut down more than 20 Tucson campuses
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The Arizona House of Representatives today passed House Bill 2313, sponsored by House Education Committee Chairman Matt Gress, banning teacher strikes and organized work stoppages that shut down public schools. House Republicans voted to keep schools open. House Democrats
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 27 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026:
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House Republicans Vote to Keep Kids in Class While Democrats Defend Walkouts and Shutdowns
Rep. Matt Gress's HB 2313 protects classroom time after organized sick-outs shut down more than 20 Tucson campuses
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The Arizona House of Representatives today passed House Bill 2313, sponsored by House Education Committee Chairman Matt Gress, banning teacher strikes and organized work stoppages that shut down public schools. House Republicans voted to keep schools open. House Democratsvoted against the bill.
The vote follows coordinated sick-outs in late January that closed approximately 20 Tucson Unified campuses after thousands of teachers and staff called out in connection with a political protest.
"Closing more than 20 schools to make a political statement is unacceptable," Representative Gress said. "This was not about pay or contracts. It was a coordinated work stoppage tied to a protest against federal immigration policy. Tens of thousands of students were sent home. Parents scrambled for childcare. That is not education. It is political activism paid for with students' time."
HB 2313 prohibits teachers employed by school districts or charter schools from striking or participating in organized work stoppages. Teachers who engage in coordinated strikes forfeit civil service protections, reemployment rights, and employment-related benefits. The bill also reduces state funding when regular school days are moved to remote instruction because of organized work stoppages. Exceptions apply for approved instructional models, full-time online schools, and emergency situations.
"Schools exist to teach reading, writing, math, and critical thinking," Representative Gress said. "At a time when too many students are struggling in math and reading, the answer is not fewer days in the classroom or organized walkouts during school hours. It is not using students as leverage in political disputes."
"When coordinated absences close campuses, students lose instructional time and taxpayers fund empty classrooms," Representative Gress added. "If school employees want to protest, they can do it on their own time. In Arizona, classrooms come first."
HB 2313 now advances to the Senate for consideration.
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Matt Gress is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 4 in Phoenix and is Chairman of the House Committee on Education. Follow him on X at @MatthewGress.
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/260226GRESSHB2313.pdf
