A bill with the goal of making it tougher for cities, towns and counties to raise taxes and fees passed the Arizona State Senate on Monday.
Senate Bill 1013 would require a two-thirds vote from a governing body, such as a county board of supervisors or city council, in order for a tax to be created or hiked.
The legislation passed 17-12 along party lines, with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats opposing. The Senate Government committee vote in January was also along party lines.
“I've received a number of concerns and complaints from Arizonans who are frustrated with recent hikes on taxes and fees, especially in this era of inflation. We want government to be more efficient with taxpayer dollars, and this is a step in the right direction," Senate President Warren Petersen, the bill’s sponsor, said in a statement.
While it’s now up to the House of Representatives to advance it to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, Republican Sens. Jake Hoffman and John Kavanagh warned in the committee meeting that the legislature will likely send the proposal to the 2026 ballot instead if Hobbs uses her veto stamp, The Center Square reported.
