The new bill authored by State Rep. Teresa Martinez in the Arizona House aims to enhance fire protection system inspections and clarify enforcement roles for local authorities, according to the Arizona State House.
The bill, introduced as HB2341 on Jan. 16, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘fire protection systems; inspections.’.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, the bill mandates that smoke dampers and fire dampers within fire protection systems be inspected in accordance with standards set by a nationally recognized standards developing organization. It allows the state forester and state fire marshal to provide certified inspectors to assist with these inspections upon request from local authorities. Additionally, it amends regulations concerning the adoption and enforcement of building and fire prevention codes by county boards of supervisors. The bill prohibits the imposition of penalties related to the installation of fire sprinklers in certain residential settings and clarifies requirements for fire watch personnel. By Jan. 1, 2026, cities, towns, or counties with adopted fire codes must enforce these updated requirements.
Since the beginning of the session, Martinez has proposed another nine bills, with none of them being adopted.
Teresa Martinez is currently serving in the Arizona State House, representing the state’s 16th House District. She replaced previous state representative John Fillmore in 2023.
In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| HB2341 | 01/16/2025 | The bill mandates that smoke dampers and fire dampers within fire protection systems be inspected in accordance with standards set by a nationally recognized standards developing organization. It allows the state forester and state fire marshal to provide certified inspectors to assist with these inspections upon request from local authorities. Additionally, it amends regulations concerning the adoption and enforcement of building and fire prevention codes by county boards of supervisors. The bill prohibits the imposition of penalties related to the installation of fire sprinklers in certain residential settings and clarifies requirements for fire watch personnel. By Jan. 1, 2026, cities, towns, or counties with adopted fire codes must enforce these updated requirements. |
| HB2340 | 01/16/2025 | The bill amends section 13-1105 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to address first-degree murder. It defines first-degree murder as a killing committed with premeditation, including the death of an unborn child, or occurring during the commission or attempted commission of specified felonies, including sexual assault, terrorism, and drug offenses. It specifies that the murder of a law enforcement officer in the line of duty is subject to heightened penalties, including death or natural life imprisonment. The bill clarifies that certain actions, such as legal abortions or medical treatments, are exempt from prosecution under this statute. First-degree murder is classified as a class 1 felony under the bill. |
| HB2281 | 01/15/2025 | This bill mandates the creation of a missing indigenous person alert system by the Arizona Department of Public Safety to facilitate swift responses when an indigenous person is reported missing. The system’s activation requires a request from an authorized law enforcement official after exhausting local resources, and when the disappearance involves unexplained or suspicious circumstances suggesting danger or peril. Additionally, the alert is issued only if there is actionable information that could help in locating the missing individual. The alert system must use the federally authorized emergency alert framework, and information should be shared with any other alert entities operating in the state. |
| HB2235 | 01/15/2025 | This bill mandates the placement of traffic signs on highways with two or more lanes, directing slower traffic to avoid the farthest left lane. The signs should read “left lane for passing only, slow traffic keep right,” and include a smaller sign indicating a $500 fine for violations, as per the civil penalty imposed by an amendment to Arizona Revised Statutes section 28-721. The law specifies that vehicles must generally drive on the right side of the roadway, except in certain conditions like overtaking or construction zones. It allows golf carts or neighborhood electric vehicles to be driven on paved shoulders in specific residential areas of large counties. Additionally, defensive driving schools and traffic survival schools must incorporate educational content about proper lane use, which the department will also include in its materials. |
| HB2234 | 01/15/2025 | This bill mandates the Arizona Department of Transportation to conduct and complete any tier 2 environmental and engineering studies necessary for the construction of Interstate 11. The act becomes effective 18 months after the general effective date, ensuring that preparatory work for the new interstate aligns with environmental and engineering standards before actual construction begins. |
| HB2102 | 01/10/2025 | This bill amends section 13-2314.01 of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to the anti-racketeering revolving fund. It specifies the management and permissible use of the fund’s monies, which are derived from recovered prosecution costs, federal agency contributions, and forfeitures related to racketeering. The bill prohibits the transfer of these monies to the state general fund and outlines authorized uses, including gang prevention, substance abuse programs, and victim assistance. Starting Aug. 27, 2025, the attorney general’s office cannot use fund monies to pay salaries for full-time positions. The bill also mandates quarterly reporting by agencies receiving funds, detailing expenditures and sources, and failure to file timely reports can result in withheld expenditures. The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission is tasked with compiling these reports, which are then submitted to various state officials. Performance and financial audits by the auditor general are required biennially to ensure proper fund usage. |
| HB2101 | 01/10/2025 | The bill appropriates $10 million from the state general fund for the 2025-26 fiscal year to the state match advantage for rural transportation fund, as outlined in section 28-339 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. This funding is intended to support transportation infrastructure and services in rural areas, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for these communities. By allocating these funds, the bill aims to address transportation needs and improve overall infrastructure in less densely populated regions of Arizona. |
| HB2100 | 01/10/2025 | This bill establishes the “Made in Arizona” special license plate program in Arizona, wherein a person may pay $32,000 by Dec. 31, 2025, for its implementation. The Department of Transportation will produce the plates, which will include a design provided by the payer, subject to departmental approval. Of the $25 fee for the plates, $8 is allocated to administration, with $17 as an annual donation to the Made in Arizona Special Plate Fund. The funds will support workforce development in the advanced manufacturing sector and foster collaboration with community colleges. The bill also outlines licensing specifics, plate color and design requirements, and fund allocations. The State Highway Fund will manage revenues and expenditures related to this initiative as detailed in Sections 28-6501, 28-6991, and 28-6993. Additionally, the bill includes amendments to related statutes to ensure proper administration and use of the generated funds. |
| HB2099 | 01/10/2025 | This bill amends sections 41-101 and 41-192 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, enhancing the roles and responsibilities of the governor and the attorney general with particular emphasis on immigration-related tasks. The governor is required to enforce, administer, and cooperate with federal actions and programs related to federal immigration laws. The bill also grants the governor the authority to appoint certain officials, communicate officially on behalf of the state, and enter intergovernmental agreements to manage federal parks during shutdowns. Additionally, it outlines various duties of the attorney general, which include legal advisory roles, organizing the civil rights division, and enforcing antitrust laws. Both the governor and attorney general must adhere to prescribed procedures regarding appointments, reports, and the handling of official state matters. |
| HB2029 | 01/07/2025 | This bill mandates that, beginning in the 2026-27 school year, Arizona public and charter schools providing internet-connected devices or access to students must offer internet safety instruction for grades five through 12. The instruction will cover best practices for protecting students from online predators, avoiding scams, safeguarding passwords and personal information, and shielding students from opioids like fentanyl. By June 30, 2026, the Arizona Department of Education is tasked with compiling age-appropriate resources to satisfy these instructional requirements. Parents will have the option to opt their children out of this internet safety instruction. |
