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Panel advances bills to give Arizona Legislature formal role approving non‑custodial federal funds; sponsors plan ballot option
Summary
Lawmakers debated and approved HB2814 (statutory authority to appropriate non‑custodial federal monies) and HCR2015 (a proposed constitutional amendment to place the authority with the voters). Proponents argued legislative oversight restores the 'power of the purse'; opponents said it politicizes federal grants and would hamper rapid responses.
The committee considered two companion measures that would change how Arizona handles federal grants: HB2814 would authorize the Legislature to appropriate non‑custodial federal funds directly, and HCR2015 would send a proposed constitutional change to the ballot so voters could require legislative approval for certain federal monies.
Representative Lisa Fink, sponsor of both measures, argued that lawmakers currently lack a formal appropriation role over many federal funds coming into the state — an estimated $30 billion of federal receipts — and that legislative appropriation authority is a constitutional check consistent with the legislature’s ‘power of the purse.’ Backers said most states already allow the legislature to appropriate such funds and that the change would improve transparency and accountability.
Opponents — and some members who voted against the measures — argued the bills would politicize federal programs, add delay to grant administration, and duplicate executive and federal controls; they also noted that governors historically vetoed similar proposals. The committee passed HB2814 (11 yes, 6 no, 1 present) and the companion HCR2015 as amended (11 yes, 7 no), with sponsors saying they will pursue additional stakeholder outreach and, if necessary, a ballot measure to finalize the change.
Why it matters: If enacted, HB2814 would change state practice by requiring legislative appropriation decisions for non‑custodial federal funds; HCR2015 would submit the policy to voters. Supporters said the change would make federal funding more transparent and subject to legislative priorities; critics warned of potential delays for time‑sensitive federal allocations.
