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Panel advances bill banning routine remote work for state full-time employees, with carve-outs
Summary
Senate Bill 1237, which would prohibit full-time equivalent (FTE) state employees from working remotely except for specified exemptions such as sick leave, was given a due-pass recommendation after public testimony in favor and a 3-2 committee vote.
Senate Bill 1237, which prohibits any state full-time equivalent (FTE) employee from working remotely except for specified exemptions and allows supervisors to permit sick FTEs to work remotely, received a due-pass recommendation from the Committee of Regulatory Oversight.
Committee staff summarized the bill’s core provision: the measure would prohibit remote work for an FTE and authorize supervisors to allow a sick FTE to work remotely and make specified exemptions. The bill sponsor, President Peterson, was not present; staff proceeded to public testimony.
Brian Sikma, a visiting fellow at FGA Action, testified in support. Sikma said many Arizonans have returned to workplaces since the pandemic and argued the requirement is reasonable for state employees. "This is a pretty reasonable measure that simply requires the same of Arizona state employees," Sikma said, adding that in-person work can support collaboration and accountability and that the bill includes carve-outs for duties that require fieldwork.
With no additional public testimony, the committee voted to return SB 1237 with a due-pass recommendation. Roll call recorded three ayes and two nays: Representative Keshle (Aye); Vice Chairman Collinan (Aye); Chairman Shephlich (Aye); Representative Contreras (No); Representative Hernandez (No). The committee recorded no amendments on the bill during the hearing.
SB 1237 will move forward with the committee’s recommendation; staff and one public witness provided testimony on the record.
