[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6317567,"mediaKeyId","2371919-fefe802cb08664e72d889880952a6401","parentId",2371919,"title","House committee backs resolution limiting DEI practices; floor debate exposes split over anti-discrimination protections","audioSeconds",263,"startMs",4395000,"endMs",4658000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2371919-fefe802cb08664e72d889880952a6401&start=4395&end=4658","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2371919-fefe802cb08664e72d889880952a6401/thumbnail_4395000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6317567/Arizona/House-committee-backs-resolution-limiting-DEI-practices-floor-debate-exposes-split-over-anti-discrimination-protections","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317567-72519adcc2f097f4a6b2176e26fb532d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139607&Signature=Y0fzdhAJ1DKT5aTNYHjUxeIwBVcy10E1IL9o9CM3O1qvkduM-1u67eqil0Zgj2dJR20Vdz34~I-xh1Zg847X2sRXahaNB~gLekqcPc3atlpordiFIyNXNK0~byYmJoEvDGofpSHxWI~bhU7JRYADG7pySJgMzxduh-H8IbNMNcA1S4aNvf7tgUMptQ4RpI3VbbsZlzwe3rcJc8HqlEtdg0mOe5RhTgmf4CX-oi3nAizKuGKCaFbnM40uQNSbMbM~albqWLdrgamSwCLGoMACu6Gvz5TYtq602xfc2MaSm81TZzGt-N1FOL-GUw9Xsx8alXEnbLjJzUk7ZoFUJcKyLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Arizona Legislature","date","2025-02-20T00:00:00Z","article","House Concurrent Resolution 20 42, which seeks to limit certain diversity, equity and inclusion policies in government-funded entities, received a do-pass recommendation from the Committee of the Whole and passed the House on Feb. 20 after a floor exchange that exposed clear divisions among members.

Supporters, including the bill sponsor, characterized the resolution as an affirmation that government should not provide preferential treatment or impose mandates based on race, ethnicity or other protected characteristics. Speaker Montenegro described the resolution as consistent with past voter-approved measures and argued it emphasizes merit-based decisions in public hiring and contracting.

Opponents at the microphone warned that the resolution does not address gaps in state anti-discrimination law. Representative Diego De Los Santos told the House the resolution fails to protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and pointed to a separate Arizona Anti-Discrimination Act that has not received committee consideration. He urged members to vote no on HCR 20 42 for that reason.

The House ultimately recorded a do-pass recommendation and the resolution passed on the floor. Sponsors and supporters said they intended the resolution to reassert the state’s prior commitments and to restrict evolving DEI practices that they said can become mandates for public institutions.

Why this matters: the debate surfaces an ongoing state-level dispute over how government and public institutions should handle policies aimed at promoting diversity and equity versus claims of neutrality and merit-based treatment. Opponents said the resolution leaves gaps in protections for LGBTQ Arizonans; supporters said it protects governmental neutrality in hiring and contracting.

Ending: HCR 20 42 advances to the next stage in the legislative process. Lawmakers and advocacy groups on both sides signaled they will continue public and committee-level advocacy on the issue.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","02/20/2025 - House Floor Session","oneSentenceSummary","House Concurrent Resolution 20 42, aimed at restricting diversity-equity-inclusion (DEI) practices in public institutions, received a do-pass recommendation and passed the House after floor comments that split lawmakers over protections for LGBTQ people.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature Arizona, Arizona","taxId",78572,"location","Arizona","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317573,"House approves bill tied to Isaac Elementary crisis after heated floor debate; lawmakers call for accountability",645,8931000,9576000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2371919-fefe802cb08664e72d889880952a6401&start=8931&end=9576","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2371919-fefe802cb08664e72d889880952a6401/thumbnail_8931000.jpg","/articles/6317573/Arizona/House-approves-bill-tied-to-Isaac-Elementary-crisis-after-heated-floor-debate-lawmakers-call-for-accountability","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317573-937e8c3c444a0ac1691db1bce7459174/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139607&Signature=RXu4oVHW15roYG-FgYCHr76dk9sFyEsAfGM5WZQOC8Xf81Vv2Lozqrvv2K9p7JDGLJKReoVVCwNycErnrHhGazN~gsvU19xeusLDh7CW6~DaWQDW6oDt7tP2TSOEeVzgYXMGc5qdUc4trnDd8XfFTpYKpVvFjKyGuAPpEIrfIij0LLicKYx6ABbpyCHtgwHDvdHf~kjcE-WFiVQwKvdBIVekgTSiI5QgOFEmljlWw9ZDb27WTBqaZJwwn3YdeC8uuMyNxX50TajY1MqqDPJZY26tsjPjQ6dBXwiHF1RMNOXJwlu2zOCap3655X~PoWm52SG8jvvN0JKPOr1~jgRT5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Arizona House on Feb. 20 passed House Bill 26 10, a measure tied to the recent fiscal and governance crisis in the Isaac Elementary School District, after an extended floor debate in which members across the aisle criticized the district’s leadership and urged accountability for the disruption to students and staff.

The measure received a recorded vote of 37 ayes, 21 nays and 2 not voting, according to the clerk’s entry in the official record. The House approved the bill without adopting an emergency clause.

The debate on the House floor focused less on the narrow text of the bill and more on the broader sequence of events that left thousands of students and hundreds of employees facing uncertainty. Representative Alma Hernandez and others recalled earlier hearings and legislative work on protecting vulnerable students; Representative Gress and others described what they characterized as mismanagement that put district operations at risk. Several lawmakers—including Representative De Los Santos and Representative Gress—said the board’s leadership had failed and called for resignations. Representative Luna Najera, who identified as a Tolleson Union High School District board member, urged support for a legislative fix that would stabilize operations for students and staff.

Representative De Los Santos read a prepared statement urging accountability and noting that state officials and the attorney general were involved; the remarks called for continued investigation and for reformed oversight to prevent similar crises. Representative Sandoval argued that problems of governance and transparency have occurred in a variety of local entities including charter schools and urged caution in how the state intervenes.

The bill’s supporters said it would provide an immediate path to avoid disruption for students and staff; opponents said the measure was overly broad and that it did not fully remedy the underlying governance failures. After the vote, the clerk directed that the bill be conveyed to the Senate.

Why this matters: the Isaac Elementary matter prompted emergency responses by state officials and renewed scrutiny of local governance and financial management in school districts. Lawmakers described the case as emblematic of a need for clearer financial oversight and faster administrative remedies where district leadership fails.

Ending: The House’s vote moves HB 26 10 to the Senate where it will face further consideration. Multiple members said they expect additional investigations and possible changes to oversight rules or statute in subsequent sessions.","House Bill 26 10, a legislative response tied to the Isaac Elementary School District crisis, passed the House on Feb. 20 after heated floor debate. Lawmakers on both sides described the district's financial and governance failures; some urged resignations and investigation.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317577,"Arizona House passes wide slate of bills on third reading; dozens of measures advance to Senate",1030,5236000,6266000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2371919-fefe802cb08664e72d889880952a6401&start=5236&end=6266","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2371919-fefe802cb08664e72d889880952a6401/thumbnail_5236000.jpg","/articles/6317577/Arizona/Arizona-House-passes-wide-slate-of-bills-on-third-reading-dozens-of-measures-advance-to-Senate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317577-b26b7b4c693d2e638efed1c65fe0e77b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139607&Signature=Zg3HzzFzLZKOtFgHGzDkh-cdW5tzMvGa1Lwv9CtEX-gdLnmYSnC2EK1qe5-UFxkqx5lKlgK1RDFNAisJ~6GxjmZbYOCA3m3asGsuozq10BKt1AKnFPfGxlZrIfCRJl352yvBE6dP8yJtW7GLgdUKacXclwZYxkXWm1JIVyvfsqpfJhqOHYAK7aQyGda2ddW1PoIBdOk-vQiQgBNyWyQvcTRaUsH4HWzQqkGGW06~RiV8iK1ySBVmtxjqs0nlwOTQ1T7iAxpmn4loXLVacES~nun5~fbMxWEjCXLS8tj4y4Pwe5j762HdqNvC~i0pdPNM8fW~cPCgZZqBf1GgPTYgwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Arizona House gave final approval on Feb. 20 to a broad set of measures on third reading and adopted several concurrent resolutions and memorials, sending the bills to the Senate for consideration.

The chamber recorded passage for a sequence of measures spanning policy areas including elections, education, health care, public safety and procurement. Bills approved on third reading included HB 20 25, HB 20 26, HB 20 49, HB 20 83, HB 21 09, HB 21 10 (emergency), HB 21 35, HB 21 75, HB 22 10, HB 22 70, HB 22 91, HB 23 91, HB 24 05, HB 24 25, HB 24 48, HB 24 50, HB 24 92, HB 25 14, HB 25 16, HB 25 40, HB 25 81, HB 26 10, HB 26 23, HB 26 28, HB 26 32, HB 26 38, HB 26 78, HB 27 20 and others listed on the House calendar. The House also approved HCR and HCM measures including HCR 20 40, HCR 20 22 and multiple memorials urging federal or administrative actions.

Many bills were advanced after brief committee-led explanations and unanimous or near-unanimous voice votes. Several measures generated more extended floor debate before final passage; those items are covered in separate articles. Where a bill was declared an emergency measure, the House recorded that the two-thirds requirement was met in roll-call votes that appear in the official record.

Votes at a glance (selected final actions recorded on Feb. 20, 2025):
- HB 20 25 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 57 ayes, 1 nay, 2 not voting.
- HB 20 26 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 58 ayes, 0 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 20 49 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 31 ayes, 27 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 20 83 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 36 ayes, 22 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 21 09 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 38 ayes, 20 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 21 10 — Passed on third reading as an emergency measure; clerk recorded 42 ayes, 16 nays, 2 not voting (emergency enacted).
- HB 21 35 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 34 ayes, 24 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 21 75 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 58 ayes, 0 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 22 10 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 47 ayes, 11 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 22 70 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 32 ayes, 26 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 22 91 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 36 ayes, 22 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 23 91 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 33 ayes, 25 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 24 05 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 58 ayes, 0 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 24 25 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 32 ayes, 26 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 24 48 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 39 ayes, 19 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 24 50 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 32 ayes, 26 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 24 92 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 43 ayes, 15 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 25 14 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 58 ayes, 0 nays, 0 not voting.
- HB 25 16 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 32 ayes, 26 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 25 40 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 33 ayes, 25 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 25 81 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 56 ayes, 2 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 26 10 — Passed on third reading (see separate article for floor debate); clerk recorded 37 ayes, 21 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 26 23 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 37 ayes, 21 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 26 28 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 58 ayes, 0 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 26 32 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 32 ayes, 26 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 26 38 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 58 ayes, 0 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 26 78 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 41 ayes, 17 nays, 2 not voting.
- HB 27 20 — Passed on third reading; clerk recorded 59 ayes, 0 nays, 1 not voting.

Several concurrent memorials and resolutions passed as well, including HCM 2,006, HCM 2,007, HCM 2,008, and HCR 20 22; votes and recorded tallies are in the official journal.

Why this matters: the surge of measures clears a large portion of the House calendar and sends a mix of policy changes to the Senate. Many of the bills are technical or narrow in scope; others change statutory definitions or create new state programs that will face additional review in the Senate. The House journal will carry the official roll-call entries for each bill and the clerk’s certificate for the record.

For readers: committee reports and engrossment referrals were announced during the session; the moving papers and final bill texts will be available in the legislative file and the official House journal.

Ending note: This roundup lists selected final actions recorded during the Feb. 20 session. For bills that drew extended debate or votes that were not unanimous, separate articles detail the floor discussion and the positions advanced by members.","On Feb. 20, 2025 the Arizona House approved a large package of bills on third reading and several concurrent measures, sending them to the Senate. Most measures passed with broad margins; a few drew extended debate or narrower votes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House committee backs resolution limiting DEI practices; floor debate exposes split over anti-discrimination protections

House approves bill tied to Isaac Elementary crisis after heated floor debate; lawmakers call for accountability

Arizona House passes wide slate of bills on third reading; dozens of measures advance to Senate