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Committee advances bill barring governor from moving rejected director nominees into other roles in same agency
Summary
House Bill 2630, which would prevent an individual rejected by the Senate for an agency directorship from being appointed to another position within that same agency, received a due-pass recommendation from the committee on a 3-2 vote after debate about separation of powers and potential overbreadth.
House Bill 2630 was given a due-pass recommendation by the Arizona House Committee on Regulatory Oversight after members debated whether the bill is necessary and whether its scope is too broad. The committee recorded 3 ayes and 2 nays.
A staff summary explained the bill’s provision: if the Senate rejects the governor’s nomination of an agency director, then that nominee would be ineligible for any other position within the same agency. The sponsor said the measure is intended to preserve the Senate’s confirmation role and prevent the executive branch from placing the rejected nominee into another agency post that effectively bypasses confirmation.
“...we don't want to have the executive branch going around the constitutionally mandated separation of powers,” the sponsor said, arguing that appointing a rejected director to another agency position would undermine legislative oversight.
Opponents said the bill, as written, could permanently bar otherwise qualified people from employment in an agency even in non‑director roles, and one member indicated a willingness to support a narrowed amendment. Representative Contreras explained his “no” vote as based on the current breadth of the bill. Representative Hernandez also spoke against the measure, saying it could inadvertently harm the governor’s ability to staff agencies.
Roll call recorded: Representative Keshle — Aye; Representative Collin — Aye; Chairman Chapnick — Aye; Representative Contreras — No; Representative Hernandez — No. By that vote, 3 ayes, 2 nays, HB 2630 received a due-pass recommendation from the committee.
The transcript records discussion about offering an amendment to narrow the bill’s scope; the sponsor said he would be open to an amendment. The committee’s action does not itself change law; further floor consideration could alter text or outcome.
