Arizona small businesses outlined several priorities for the 2025 legislative session, including tax, regulatory, and tort reform. Below is a quick summary of the bills NFIB has supported and their status at the Governor’s office.

Small Business Victories Signed into Law by the Governor

SB 1182: Promoting Worker Safety by Cutting Red Tape on Small Businesses

Sponsored by Sen. Analise Ortiz (D-District 24), SB 1182 aims to lift local regulations that restrict or prohibit work in the cooler hours of the day during the summer. This is a great bill that NFIB was proud to support. It will keep small businesses that primarily work outdoors productive during the summer heat. By allowing small businesses to operate during cooler periods of the summer months, including work outdoors, deliver goods, and pour concrete, this bill also promotes greater worker safety. It passed the Legislature on a bipartisan basis and was signed into law by the Governor.

HB 2119: Ensuring Greater Transparency in Municipal Tax Bills

Sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Neal Carter (R-District 15), HB 2119 will require cities to inform businesses before adopting a tax change. By simply informing business owners of their tax obligations and the possibility of any changes if the local council takes action, this bill promotes greater transparency in the local tax code. NFIB was proud to support this bill on behalf of small business owners. It passed the Legislature on a bipartisan basis and was signed into law by the Governor.

Pro-Small Business Bills Vetoed by the Governor

HB 2515: Truth in Taxation

Sponsored by Rep. Justin Olson (R-District 10), HB 2515 aimed to enhance transparency in tax-related bond measures by requiring clear and timely notices to taxpayers. NFIB strongly supported the measure on behalf of small business owners. Through the veto letter, the Governor stated that she does not agree with being honest with voters in a bond election by informing them that general obligations bonds will be payable from taxes without limit as to the rate or amount. Despite the bill’s passage on a bipartisan basis, the problem of some local governments falsely placing statements in the official election materials, stating that their bond sales would not increase taxes, will likely continue unabated.

HB 2576: Easing the Regulatory Burden on Small Business Owners

Sponsored by Rep. Gail Griffin (R-District 19), HB 2576 sought to ease the regulatory burden on Arizonans by allowing for alleged violations identified by state agencies to be rectified before enforcement actions are taken. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the procedural rights of regulated persons while maintaining the authority of agencies to enforce compliance. NFIB strongly supported the measure on behalf of small business owners. The Governor vetoed.

SB 1050: Increasing Accountability for Arizona Taxpayers

Sponsored by Sen. Vince Leach (R-District 11), SB 1050 aimed to reduce the risk of lawsuit challenges to any future tax subsidies local governments give to property developers by limiting the abatement of excise taxes to all entities except for school districts. This would require the developer to remit GPLET excise taxes to school districts, saving the state general fund millions in revenue each year. NFIB strongly supported the measure on behalf of small business owners. The Governor vetoed.

KEY TAKEAWAY: Stay Engaged With Your State Lawmakers

While there are many pro-small business lawmakers in the Arizona Legislature, your advocacy makes a difference!