Senate committee backs resolution to ask voters about expanding Arizona House to 90 seats
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Summary
SCR 10‑22, which would ask voters to constitutionally increase the size of the Arizona House from 60 to 90 members (nested as three house districts per senate district), received a due‑pass recommendation after extended debate and public testimony; the sponsor argued the change would improve representation.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 10‑22, introduced by Senator Mesnard, would, if approved by voters, increase the number of Arizona House districts and members from 60 to 90 and require each senate district to be subdivided into three geographically separate house districts. Mesnard requested and the committee accepted an amendment delaying the amendment's applicability from 2033 to 2043 to allow additional planning.
Mesnard framed the measure as a response to Arizona's high ratio of residents per representative and said adding members would bring lawmakers closer to constituents. He presented comparative data and argued the change would strengthen representation while acknowledging modest costs for salaries and possible facility adjustments.
Committee members and public witnesses discussed logistics—where to seat additional members, whether to stagger terms and how the change would affect campaign finance and Clean Elections eligibility. Supporters from the public highlighted how smaller districts in other states increase responsiveness; some members cautioned that the change deserves a detailed fiscal and implementation study before final action.
The committee adopted an amendment in the sponsor's name and recommended SCR 10‑22 for a due‑pass (tally recorded at 5 ayes, 2 nays). The resolution will proceed for further consideration with the committee report and materials requested from staff about potential implementation and cost.
