Legislation to Protect Arizonans from Unpopular Tax Hikes Passes the Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, February 3, 2025

Legislation to Protect Arizonans from Unpopular Tax Hikes Passes the Senate

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— In an effort to protect hardworking Arizonans from costly and unpopular tax hikes imposed by cities and towns, Senate Republicans are advancing legislation requiring greater support from governing bodies before new taxes or increases can be implemented.

SB 1013 passed the Arizona Senate today with all Democrats voting against the measure that requires a two-thirds vote of approval from councils or boards before taxes, fees, and assessments can be adopted or raised. The measure requires the same supermajority vote standard as the Legislature, which also needs a two-thirds vote of support to raise taxes under a 1992 law approved by voters.

On January 1, the tenant paid rental tax was repealed. The bill was sponsored by President Petersen to help tenants drowning under rising housing costs and inflation. While the state has been lowering taxes, some local governments currently flush with cash have unfortunately done the exact opposite and instead have raised taxes and fees on their citizens. SB1013 requires greater buy-in from elected officials, which may prevent these burdensome increases on hardworking Arizonans.

"I've received a number of concerns and complaints from Arizonans who are frustrated with recent hikes on taxes and fees, especially in this era of inflation. We want government to be more efficient with taxpayer dollars, and this is a step in the right direction," said President Petersen. "This commonsense taxpayer protection requires the same threshold from local governments as the Legislature when raising or imposing fees. We want to make sure government fully funds its obligations, but we also want to protect our citizens from unnecessary taxation."

The bill now heads to the House for consideration. If approved, it will be sent to the Governor for signature.

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov