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N.Y. Comptroller DiNapoli: Systemic Oversight Deficiencies Put Thousands of Mitchell-Lama Affordable Housing Units at Risk
ALBANY, New York, March 10 (TNSbrep) -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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DiNapoli: Systemic Oversight Deficiencies Put Thousands of Mitchell-Lama Affordable Housing Units at Risk
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released a report recommending concrete actions needed to improve building conditions, protect tenant health and safety, and strengthen management practices in New York's Mitchell-Lama housing developments. The report found that chronic oversight deficiencies by city and state agencies have led to unsafe living
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, March 10 (TNSbrep) -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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DiNapoli: Systemic Oversight Deficiencies Put Thousands of Mitchell-Lama Affordable Housing Units at Risk
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released a report recommending concrete actions needed to improve building conditions, protect tenant health and safety, and strengthen management practices in New York's Mitchell-Lama housing developments. The report found that chronic oversight deficiencies by city and state agencies have led to unsafe livingconditions, financial mismanagement and prolonged vacancies, leaving thousands of affordable apartments at risk or unoccupied.
"Too often, serious problems in Mitchell-Lama buildings were identified but not resolved," DiNapoli said. "When state and city agencies fail to ensure necessary repairs are made, unsafe conditions persist and New Yorkers who need affordable apartments can't access them. Immediate action on our recommendations is needed to address the many issues these audits found and safeguard one of New York's most important affordable housing programs."
DiNapoli's report reviewed five audits conducted between 2019 and 2025, covering conditions at 26 Mitchell-Lama housing developments in New York City and statewide, which revealed systemic oversight failures across the Mitchell-Lama program by both the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR).
HPD- and DHCR-supervised Mitchell-Lama developments include approximately 93,000 housing units statewide and remains one of the few long-term affordable options for middle-income New Yorkers. When unsafe conditions go unaddressed or apartments remain vacant, those units are effectively removed from the housing supply.
In response to these findings, DiNapoli's report recommends the following actions:
Safety & Inspections
* Require corrective action whenever inspections identify unsafe conditions.
* Establish clear repair timelines and verify that fixes are completed.
* Enforce required annual inspections of apartments and buildings; ensure inspection reports are completed, reviewed and acted upon.
* Improve communication so hazards are promptly shared with responsible parties and addressed.
Financial Accountability & Governance
* Require proper documentation, including invoices and receipts, for all spending.
* Increase monitoring and accountability of managing agents; require training on fiduciary duties and good governance, and take corrective action when agents fail to comply.
Vacancy Management
* Enforce vacancy timelines and require action plans for apartments vacant beyond allowable limits.
"The Mitchell-Lama program has long been a bastion of affordable housing for generations of New Yorkers," said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Chair of the Assembly Housing Committee. "State Comptroller DiNapoli's most recent report, as well as previous audits, however, prove what I have been saying for years: without proper stewardship at the city and state level, these critical units are falling into an unforgivable state of disrepair. That's why as chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing, I've led the fight to allocate additional funding for these cash-strapped developments, reduce the shelter rent tax and, of course, strengthen the state and city's financial and physical oversight of Mitchell-Lama developments. We must continue to use every tool at our disposal to preserve these vital housing units."
"Mitchell-Lama developments remain a vital source of stable, affordable housing for thousands of Manhattan residents," said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. "I'm grateful to State Comptroller DiNapoli for shining a light on these oversight failures and putting forward concrete recommendations to improve conditions and accountability. Our city and state agencies should act quickly to ensure these homes are safe, well-managed, and available to the New Yorkers who rely on them."
"Safe, stable housing is a fundamental human right -- something every single New Yorker is entitled to," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. "But for far too many of our neighbors living in Mitchell-Lama housing, the conditions of their homes have been allowed to degrade without relief, all while other apartments continue to sit vacant in the midst of a housing crisis. I join State Comptroller DiNapoli in calling for unacceptable conditions in Mitchell-Lama housing units across the city to be immediately addressed, as well as for a renewed sense of urgency in getting families in need of housing into apartments that have sat vacant for months."
"New Yorkers deserve clean, safe and livable and financially-sound housing wherever they live," said State Sen. Zellnor Myrie. "I'm grateful to Comptroller DiNapoli and his team for this important report on the Mitchell-Lama Housing program and look forward to continuing our work together to address the affordable housing crisis in our state."
"Mitchell-Lama developments are a vital source of affordable housing for thousands of New Yorkers," said State Sen. Jose Serrano. "These findings underscore the importance of strong oversight and accountability to ensure buildings are properly maintained, vacant apartments are returned to use, and residents have safe living conditions. Addressing these issues is essential to preserving the long-term stability of the Mitchell-Lama program."
"Across Senate District 23, thousands of New Yorkers live in Mitchell-Lama housing, and many of them are older adults living on a fixed income," said State Sen. Jessica Scarcella Spanton." As affordability, especially as it pertains to finding stable housing, remains a top issue statewide, Mitchell-Lama is one of the few options available for middle-income people. As a state, we need to ensure that these apartments remain safe, livable, and affordable."
"For far too long, families across Queens who live in Mitchell-Lama housing have had to endure long wait times to get necessary repairs made to basic infrastructure," said State Assemblymember Khaleel M. Anderson. "And yet, there are still years long waiting lines for folks who wish to move into these developments, because that's how serious our city's housing crisis has become. This report by the State Comptroller's office lays common sense recommendations, such as establishing clear and appropriate timelines for repairs, verification that such fixes were made, and to enforce corrective action when apartments sit vacant for months at a time. We can't raise healthy families under leaky ceilings, or on snow-filled streets as they wait for their turn in line. It's now up to us to act on these recommendations, and I am committed to working with my colleagues in Albany to deliver on these changes for our communities."
"I'm happy that the State Comptroller has continued to pursue this report on behalf of residents of Mitchell-Lama developments," said State Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest. "Tivoli Towers, in Crown Heights, is a clear example of the need for accountability and action from government leadership. I look forward to working with the state comptroller's office and NYC HPD to ensure that the residents of Tivoli Towers no longer have to endure the neglect and mismanagement they have lived with for so many years."
"Mitchell-Lama developments have long been a cornerstone of affordable housing for working- and middle-income New Yorkers," said State Assemblymember Al Taylor. "In my district, residents of Esplanade Gardens have experienced firsthand how weak oversight and management failures can affect safety, building conditions, and quality of life. That is why strong accountability and transparency are so important. I commend State Comptroller DiNapoli for shining a light on these issues and outlining steps to strengthen oversight, ensure necessary repairs are made, and return vacant affordable units back into use."
"Protecting our Mitchell-Lama Housing Program means ensuring residents live in safe, well-maintained homes with real accountability," said State Assemblymember Jordan J.G. Wright. "We must enforce inspections, guarantee timely repairs, and demand financial transparency from those entrusted to manage these developments. Our seniors and working families deserve housing that is not only affordable, but properly cared for and protected."
"Mitchell-Lama has long been a cornerstone of affordable housing and a pathway to homeownership for middle-income New Yorkers, but the conditions outlined in the Comptroller's report--from broken fire doors and mold to serious gaps in financial oversight--are simply unacceptable," said State Assemblymember Emerita Torres. "Tenants should never face unsafe living conditions while their housing costs continue to rise. That's why I have allocated $4 million to assist with critical repairs at Evergreen Gardens, ensuring that residents receive the safe, well-maintained housing they deserve. This audit must lead to swift action to repair hazardous conditions, strengthen oversight, and restore Mitchell-Lama's promise of safe, affordable housing for generations of New Yorkers."
"Mitchell-Lama housing has long been a critical lifeline for middle-income New Yorkers, but this report makes clear that too many residents are living with unacceptable conditions and too little oversight," said New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin. "At a time when our city is facing a historic housing crisis, we must ensure these developments are safe, well-managed, and fulfilling the promise of affordable housing they were built to provide. I thank State Comptroller DiNapoli for shining a light on these issues, and the Council looks forward to working with our partners across government to strengthen oversight and protect this vital housing stock."
"Mitchell-Lama developments are a critical source of affordable housing for middle-income New Yorkers, but too many residents are living with unacceptable conditions while apartments sit vacant," said New York City Council Member Gale A. Brewer. "The findings in the State Comptroller's report make clear that stronger oversight and accountability from both the city and state are urgently needed. We must ensure repairs are made promptly, management practices are transparent, and every available apartment is returned to the housing supply."
"Mitchell-Lamas remain a vital pathway that middle-income New Yorkers depend on for stable, affordable housing," said New York City Council Member Amanda Farias. "The conditions outlined in this report reflect concerns that residents have raised for years about building maintenance and oversight. I thank Comptroller DiNapoli for bringing renewed attention to these issues and reinforcing the lived experiences of many of our constituents. It is also why I allocated $23 million in funding for Mitchell-Lama developments, including $1.25 million specifically for Evergreen, so these buildings receive the investments needed to maintain safe, stable homes for the families who rely on them."
"New Yorkers deserve safe, well-maintained, and truly affordable housing," said New York City Council Member Kamillah Hanks. "The conditions in some of our Mitchell-Lama buildings are unacceptable and cannot continue. The city and state must take immediate action to address unsafe conditions, hold management accountable, and ensure that every vacant unit is made available to families who are waiting for stable housing."
"Since I first began running for office, I heard time and again from constituents about the numerous issues facing Tivoli Towers, from unaddressed collapsed ceilings & mold to questions about how funds were being spent and why rents continued increasing," said New York City Council Member Crystal Hudson. "State Comptroller DiNapoli's audit lays bare what we all knew for so long: Many Mitchell-Lama developments are in poor physical condition and have limited oversight over their finances, resulting in long-term vacancies for high-demand middle-income housing. I look forward to working with lawmakers in Albany and my colleagues in the Council to fight for greater resources to ensure the sustainability of this vital middle-income housing program for generations to come."
"The report exposes the dangerous reality many Mitchell-Lama residents face: families living with collapsed ceilings, pervasive mold, and pest infestations, while thousands of apartments sit empty in a city where so many are struggling to find affordable housing," said Rob Solano, Executive Director of Churches United For Fair Housing (CUFFH). "These conditions put tenants' health, safety and stability at risk every single day and are absolutely unacceptable. City and state agencies must act immediately to repair unsafe conditions, enforce financial accountability, and return vacant units to use. Protecting tenants and ensuring access to safe housing requires systemic change and real oversight, and we thank the State Comptroller's Office for uncovering these critical issues. CUFFH stands ready to support addressed these issues without delay."
"The Mitchell-Lama community is grateful for the many audits of Mitchell-Lama rentals and co-ops that have been completed by State Comptroller DiNapoli," said Jackie Peters, Co-Chair Mitchell-Lama Residents Coalition. "Also, the audits included developments under NYC supervising agency, HPD and the State supervising agency HCR. These audits enumerate the many problems, and most importantly include suggested remedies. This gives me hope. A blueprint has been provided, proof of dysfunction is clear. Let's make the needed changes."
"Special thanks for the work of Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, and his hard working staff, auditing and revealing serious problems in Mitchell-Lama developments," said Adele Niederman, President of Cooperators United for Mitchell-Lama (CU4ML). "With the information revealed by the audits we can begin to repair our buildings and restructure regulations to recover from these deficiencies and protect the future growth of Mitchell-Lama across our city and state. We are proud of our Mitchell-Lama communities as the best example of social housing."
Recurring issues found in the audits:
Poor Physical Conditions. Audits identified hazardous or unsafe conditions, as well as issues affecting building structures, at 12 of the 15 developments examined statewide, including all 10 sampled New York City developments. Unaddressed structural deficiencies, including collapsed ceilings and walls, can lead to persistent moisture and rapid property deterioration, and create environments ripe for secondary damage. For example, of the 10 New York City developments examined, auditors found pervasive mold at eight and pest infestations at six.
Many of the physical conditions identified from the auditors' inspections had been included in DHCR and HPD reports, some of which had gone uncorrected for years, including class C health maintenance code violations, which are violations that pose a high risk and require immediate corrective action.
Insufficient Fiscal Oversight. DiNapoli's audits found that weak financial controls enabled spending without required documentation, required approvals or competitive bidding, even as developments operated at a loss. These practices diverted limited resources from building maintenance and repairs, worsening physical conditions and increasing financial instability.
An audit issued in January 2026 covering multiple years found that Evergreen Gardens (Bronx) paid nearly $4 million to vendors without evidence of required competitive bidding or HPD approval. Auditors also identified unsupported expenses and a settlement payment lacking basic documentation such as invoices or receipts occurring while the development was operating at a financial loss and faced significant maintenance needs.
Long-Term Vacancies. Audits determined that weak oversight allowed apartments to sit vacant for months or years, even as waiting lists grew and New Yorkers struggled to find housing. Prolonged vacancies reduced rental income needed for maintenance and repairs, undermined developments' financial health, and removed affordable units from use during a statewide housing crisis.
A July 2021 audit that examined 2019 vacancy activity found that New York City HPD-supervised Mitchell-Lama developments took an average of 222 days, nearly twice the allowed timeframe, to fill vacant apartments. Of the 1,286 apartments reported as turned over that year, more than 200 remained vacant for a year or longer, costing millions of dollars in lost rental income and limiting access to affordable housing.
New York has made sizable investments for the preservation and rehabilitation of housing stock, including $440 million in capital appropriations since State Fiscal Year 2023, as well as enhanced tax abatements to support financial viability. DiNapoli's report said the state and city must also improve transparency, enhance reporting, and better monitor and enforce maintenance, financial and other standards so these investments can meaningfully contribute to the improvement of Mitchell-Lama housing.
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Report: Audit Findings: Improvements Needed to Mitchell-Lama Program (https://www.osc.ny.gov/files/reports/special-topics/pdf/improvements-needed-to-mitchell-lama-program.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2026/03/dinapoli-systemic-oversight-deficiencies-put-thousands-mitchell-lama-affordable-housing-units-risk
Mass. Public Health Dept.: Massachusetts' Flavored Tobacco Product Restriction Projected to Save More Than $70 Million in Smoking-related Health Care Costs Since 2020 Implementation
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 10 (TNSrep) -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Massachusetts' flavored tobacco product restriction projected to save more than $70 million in smoking-related health care costs since 2020 implementation
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today released a report on the impact of An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control, the historic legislation that restricts the sale of all flavored tobacco products--including menthol cigarettes--exclusively to licensed smoking bars, where these products
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 10 (TNSrep) -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Massachusetts' flavored tobacco product restriction projected to save more than $70 million in smoking-related health care costs since 2020 implementation
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today released a report on the impact of An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control, the historic legislation that restricts the sale of all flavored tobacco products--including menthol cigarettes--exclusively to licensed smoking bars, where these productsmay be sold only for onsite consumption. The report analyzed the impact of the legislation on smoking-related health care costs in the Commonwealth.
The report, conducted by DPH's Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program in collaboration with economists John Tauras, PhD, and Frank Chaloupka, PhD at the University of Illinois at Chicago, concluded that restricting menthol cigarette sales reduced the smoking prevalence in Massachusetts by 1.37 percentage points between June 2020 and January 2023.
As a result of reduced smoking prevalence, the economists projected reductions in chronic diseases and resulting health care costs for lung cancer, heart attack, and stroke; and reductions in smoking-related birth/pregnancy complications and related health care costs for the children of these pregnancies during their first year of life. Adjusted for inflation, the projected 10-year cost savings were close to $200 million.
With the menthol cigarette restriction of An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control taking effect July 1, 2020, 2025 marked the five-year anniversary of the full enactment of the legislation. Economists projected total five-year cost savings to be just over $70 million.
"Commemorating five years since the enactment of this historic legislation with the knowledge that this law is saving lives and money is one more way to highlight the transformative impact thoughtful policy can have on improving lives and reducing long-term health costs," said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD.
While An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control restricted the sale of all flavored tobacco products, this analysis only looked at menthol cigarettes. In addition, projected cost savings do not account for savings from other conditions that may be affected by smoking, such as asthma. Therefore, the projected cost savings are likely underestimated.
A separate analysis showed the law has not had a negative effect on the number of tobacco stores, convenience stores, and convenience stores with gas stations that sell tobacco products, the number of employees of these stores, and the wages paid to employees.
More details about the models and analysis used for the cost-savings estimates and impact on tobacco retailers are available in the full reports (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/economic-impact-of-massachusetts-menthol-cigarette-restriction). Additional law evaluation data is also available via the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program's Statewide Evaluation Dashboard (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mtcp-statewide-evaluation-dashboard).
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Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-flavored-tobacco-product-restriction-projected-to-save-more-than-70-million-in-smoking-related-health-care-costs-since-2020-implementation
La. Insurance Commissioner Temple Finalizes Rate Changes Including Imperial Fire & Casualty, Allstate North American Auto Decreases
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, March 10 -- The Louisiana Department of Insurance issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Temple Finalizes Rate Changes Including Imperial Fire & Casualty, Allstate North American Auto Decreases
Commissioner Tim Temple has finalized filings from Imperial Fire & Casualty Insurance Company (IFAC) and Allstate North American Insurance Company (ANAIC) for rate decreases on their private passenger auto (PPA) insurance programs in Louisiana. Both companies are part of the larger Allstate group.
Commissioner Temple finalized IFAC's filing for a 6% decrease
... Show Full Article
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, March 10 -- The Louisiana Department of Insurance issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Temple Finalizes Rate Changes Including Imperial Fire & Casualty, Allstate North American Auto Decreases
Commissioner Tim Temple has finalized filings from Imperial Fire & Casualty Insurance Company (IFAC) and Allstate North American Insurance Company (ANAIC) for rate decreases on their private passenger auto (PPA) insurance programs in Louisiana. Both companies are part of the larger Allstate group.
Commissioner Temple finalized IFAC's filing for a 6% decreaseon its Value Product, which has over 41,000 Louisiana policies and typically covers higher risk consumers by providing insurance options that meet state required minimum liability limits. The decrease is driven by the company's improved loss experience in Louisiana. Commissioner Temple previously finalized IFAC's 5% rate reduction on the same program in 2025, bringing the program's total rate change to an 11% decrease in the past six months.
ANAIC's rate change was for a 7.5% decrease affecting the company's over 17,000 policies in Louisiana. Commissioner Temple also finalized ANAIC's request for a 7.6% decrease in late 2025, bringing the company's total rate change to an over 15% decrease since November of last year.
Rate changes are statewide averages, so each policyholder's rate change will vary based on their individual risk. The IFAC changes take effect Jan. 15, 2026, for new business, and Feb. 20, 2026, for renewal business. The ANAIC change takes effect on April 9 for new and renewal business.
"This is another positive development for Louisiana drivers, but our work is far from over," said Commissioner Temple. "We must continue strengthening our regulatory and legal framework so more drivers can experience the benefits of our reform efforts, and I encourage all Louisiana drivers to shop around now for a more affordable auto policy if you haven't done so in recent months."
IFAC also filed for a 2.9% decrease on its Mid-Market Product, which has over 32,000 PPA policies in effect and typically covers consumers who need liability limits above the state minimum.
Additionally, Commissioner Temple recently finalized a 4.9% increase for American National Property and Casualty Company. The company has approximately 4,200 PPA policies in effect and had a 2.5% increase in mid-2025. Commissioner Temple also finalized Amica Mutual Insurance Company's recent request for a 6.4% increase affecting its approximately 1,200 PPA policies.
Consumers may review all property and auto rate filings online with the Louisiana Department of Insurance's new user-friendly rate filing search tool (https://pcconsumerratefilingsearch.ldi.la.gov/).
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About the Louisiana Department of Insurance: The Louisiana Department of Insurance works to improve competition in the state's insurance market while assisting individuals and businesses with the information and resources they need to be informed consumers of insurance. As a regulator, the LDI enforces the laws that provide a fair and stable marketplace and makes certain that insurers comply with the laws in place to protect policyholders. You can contact the LDI by downloading our LDIConnect mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, calling us at 800-259-5300 or visiting www.ldi.la.gov.
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Original text here: https://ldi.la.gov/3-9-26-temple-finalizes-rate-changes-including-imperial-fire-casualty-allstate-north-american-auto-decreases
Ariz. State Senate Republicans: Senate President Warns Vetting Matters as Lawmakers Consider CAIR Terrorist Designation Measure
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 10 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Senate President Warns Vetting Matters as Lawmakers Consider CAIR Terrorist Designation Measure
Senate President Warren Petersen is highlighting the importance of the Senate's constitutional duty to vet the governor's director nominees as Senate lawmakers prepare to consider HCM 2002, a measure urging the President of the United States and Congress to designate the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a terrorist organization.
The memorial, scheduled
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 10 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Senate President Warns Vetting Matters as Lawmakers Consider CAIR Terrorist Designation Measure
Senate President Warren Petersen is highlighting the importance of the Senate's constitutional duty to vet the governor's director nominees as Senate lawmakers prepare to consider HCM 2002, a measure urging the President of the United States and Congress to designate the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a terrorist organization.
The memorial, scheduledto be heard in committee next week, comes after lawmakers previously rejected a nominee from Governor Katie Hobbs whose record raised serious concerns during the Senate confirmation process.
Former Democratic legislator Martin Quezada was nominated by Governor Hobbs in 2023 to lead the Arizona Registrar of Contractors but failed to win Senate confirmation after lawmakers uncovered a troubling record of anti-Israel activism, including support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. The international campaign pressures businesses, governments, and organizations to cut economic ties with Israel and isolate the country globally.
After the Senate rejected his nomination, Quezada later went on to work as legal counsel in 2024 for CAIR's Arizona chapter. The national organization has been linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and its leaders drew widespread criticism after celebrating the October 7 terrorist attack against Israel.
"This is exactly why the Senate's vetting process exists," said President Warren Petersen. "When someone is nominated to run a state agency, the Senate's job is to ask the tough questions, dig into their history, and make sure they are fit to serve the people of Arizona. In this case, the nominee was rejected - and now he's working for an organization that promotes radically dangerous ideologies and is being considered for terrorist designation at the federal level. Imagine if we hadn't done our job. That person could have been running a state agency. Vetting isn't optional. It's about protecting our citizens and making sure the wrong people are never put in those powerful positions. The Senate will continue to hold the line."
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/senate-president-warns-vetting-matters-as-lawmakers-consider-cair-terrorist-designation-measure
Ariz. Senate Republicans Advance Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking in Arizona
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 10 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Senate Republicans Advance Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking in Arizona
Senate Republicans are advancing legislation to combat human trafficking while strengthening Arizona's ability to protect victims and hold traffickers accountable.
Human trafficking is happening in Arizona communities, often targeting women and children through coercion, grooming, or online exploitation. Traffickers rely on gaps in existing law, especially where technology is involved,
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 10 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Senate Republicans Advance Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking in Arizona
Senate Republicans are advancing legislation to combat human trafficking while strengthening Arizona's ability to protect victims and hold traffickers accountable.
Human trafficking is happening in Arizona communities, often targeting women and children through coercion, grooming, or online exploitation. Traffickers rely on gaps in existing law, especially where technology is involved,to avoid accountability. Two bills moving this session are designed to close those gaps.
SB 1416, sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick, passed the Senate today with full Republican support. The legislation focuses on the first critical hours after a child goes missing or is abducted. It requires faster reporting to state and national databases, immediate coordination with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and timely public alerts through media and social platforms. The bill also strengthens training requirements so law enforcement agencies are prepared to act without delay.
"When a child goes missing, time matters. Delays cost lives," said Senator Bolick. "SB 1416 ensures that law enforcement has clear, enforceable requirements to act immediately, share information quickly, and engage the public right away. This is about urgency, accountability, and giving families the best possible chance to bring their child home safely."
SB 1077, sponsored by Senator Mark Finchem, passed the Senate last week, despite all Democrats voting no, and is now being considered in the House. The bill targets individuals and online platforms that operate for the primary purpose of facilitating prostitution or child sex trafficking. SB 1077 makes it a serious felony to knowingly profit from websites or services that facilitate the trafficking of minors, holding accountable those who intentionally enable the exploitation of children online.
"Traffickers don't operate in dark alleys anymore. These perverts use websites, apps, and digital tools to exploit children," said Senator Finchem. "SB 1077 makes it clear that if you knowingly enable that activity, you will be held accountable. This bill closes loopholes that predators rely on and sends a strong message that Arizona will not tolerate profiting off the exploitation of children."
Both bills were informed by work conducted during the 2025 interim, when Senate President Warren Petersen convened a Human and Sex Trafficking Task Force. Law enforcement, prosecutors, survivors, and victim-rights advocates shared firsthand experiences that highlighted weaknesses in current law while underscoring the need for legislative action.
"President Petersen's human trafficking task force led to the development of these laws which will give better tools to law-enforcement in the fight to protect our children from these monsters who are profiteering off of their vulnerability," said Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, former President of the Arizona Sheriffs' Association. "I am grateful and fully support these needed changes in the law."
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/senate-republicans-advance-legislation-to-combat-human-trafficking
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Secures Court Order Requiring Trump Administration to Restore Billions in Disaster Mitigation Funding
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 10 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Secures Court Order Requiring Trump Administration to Restore Billions in Disaster Mitigation Funding
Attorney General Kris Mayes and a coalition of 23 states have secured a court order requiring the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to promptly take steps necessary to reverse the termination of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program (BRIC) and restore billions in funding to communities relying on them. The decision
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 10 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 9, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Secures Court Order Requiring Trump Administration to Restore Billions in Disaster Mitigation Funding
Attorney General Kris Mayes and a coalition of 23 states have secured a court order requiring the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to promptly take steps necessary to reverse the termination of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program (BRIC) and restore billions in funding to communities relying on them. The decisionfollows a motion filed by the coalition to compel FEMA to comply with a previous court order from December.
For the past 30 years, the BRIC program has provided communities across the nation with resources to proactively fortify their infrastructure against natural disasters. By focusing on mitigation and community resilience, the program has saved lives, reduced injury, protected property, and saved money that would have otherwise been spent on post-disaster costs.
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"The Trump Administration could have followed the law and kept communities safe. Instead, they illegally terminated a program that saves lives and saves taxpayers money, forcing states to spend months in court fighting a battle that never needed to happen," said Attorney General Mayes. "Every dollar invested in disaster mitigation before a crisis strikes saves many more in recovery costs after one hits. Today's order is a reminder that the law is not optional - even for the federal government."
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On July 16, 2025, Attorney General Mayes and the coalition filed a lawsuit to prevent FEMA from terminating its BRIC program - an action which had already delayed, scaled back, and cancelled hundreds of mitigation projects across the country that depend on this funding. On December 11, 2025, the coalition won their case. The court declared the termination of this congressionally mandated program unlawful and ordered FEMA to promptly take all steps necessary to reverse the termination. On February 17, 2026, the coalition filed a motion asking the District of Massachusetts to enforce its December 11 order, as the Trump Administration had offered no indication that it had complied with the order at that point. Today, the court sided with the coalition and granted its requested relief.
Today's order requires FEMA to make pre-disaster mitigation funds available as required by statute, communicate the status of current BRIC projects to the states, and file status reports with the court outlining any actions taken or planned to comply with the order. The order also requires FEMA to issue a fiscal year 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity for the BRIC program within 21 days.
Over the past four years, FEMA has selected nearly 2,000 projects to receive roughly $4.5 billion in BRIC funding nationwide.
Joining Attorney General Mayes in securing this order are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
A copy of the order (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=22528c84dc&e=b0dbe1a1e5) is available.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-secures-court-order-requiring-trump-administration-restore
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Issues Statement on Federal Grand Jury Subpoena for 2020 Election Materials
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 10 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following statement on March 9, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Issues Statement on Federal Grand Jury Subpoena for 2020 Election Materials
Attorney General Kris Mayes today issued the below statement following reports of a federal grand jury subpoena received and complied with by the Arizona State Senate:
The 2020 General Election in Arizona has been exhaustively reviewed. Multiple audits, court proceedings, and independent investigations -- including those pursued by members of the same political party of the
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PHOENIX, Arizona, March 10 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following statement on March 9, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Issues Statement on Federal Grand Jury Subpoena for 2020 Election Materials
Attorney General Kris Mayes today issued the below statement following reports of a federal grand jury subpoena received and complied with by the Arizona State Senate:
The 2020 General Election in Arizona has been exhaustively reviewed. Multiple audits, court proceedings, and independent investigations -- including those pursued by members of the same political party of thePresident -- found no evidence of fraud sufficient to alter the outcome. These findings are not in dispute by any credible authority. The election results were certified, litigated, and affirmed.
In fact, under the direction of my predecessor, Attorney General Mark Brnovich, agents and support staff of the Arizona Attorney General's Office spent over 10,000 hours investigating voting irregularities and alleged instances of illegal voting by high-profile election deniers. Complaints and allegations submitted to the Arizona Attorney General's Office by members of the public were also unsupported by factual evidence.
Warren Petersen knows all of this. He has known it for years. He spread false stories of election fraud in 2020, and he remains an unrepentant election denier, using his platform as Senate President to legitimize conspiracy theories that Arizona's own courts and law enforcement have thoroughly debunked.
What the Trump administration appears to be pursuing now is not a legitimate law enforcement inquiry. It is the weaponization of federal law enforcement in service of crackpots and lies.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-issues-statement-federal-grand-jury-subpoena-2020-election
