Democrats’ Weird Agenda For The Arizona Legislature

During the 2024 legislative session, Arizona Democrats introduced a series of proposals that raised eyebrows across the state. Rather than addressing the pressing concerns of Arizonans—like economic recovery, public safety, or housing affordability—these proposals veered into strange territory and were ultimately blocked by the Republican majority … a majority that is on the ballot in the 2024 general election.

One of the most contentious bills was House Bill 2362, which sought to provide free healthcare for illegal immigrants. At a time when many Arizonans were struggling with their own healthcare costs, this proposal would have added a significant burden to the state’s resources, prioritizing non-citizens over residents who contribute to the system. Unsurprisingly, this bill failed to move forward.

Equally problematic was House Bill 2360, which proposed a sales tax surcharge on college tuition. Instead of finding ways to lower the cost of higher education or improve access, this bill aimed to make college tuition even more expensive by tacking on additional taxes. In a state where many families already struggle to pay for college, this plan was widely seen as tone-deaf and never gained the support it needed.

In an odd push to reshape the electorate, Democrats introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 1033, which called for lowering the voting age to 16. While federal elections require voters to be at least 18, this proposal would have allowed teenagers—many of whom are still in high school—to cast ballots in state elections. The measure faced significant skepticism, with critics questioning whether 16-year-olds were equipped to make informed decisions on complex public policy issues.

Democrats also sought to undermine Arizona’s status as a right-to-work state with Senate Concurrent Resolution 1032, which aimed to repeal right-to-work protections. These laws allow workers the freedom to choose whether to join a union, and repealing them would have forced many into union membership against their will. This attempt to shift power to unions over individual workers’ rights was met with strong opposition and, unsurprisingly, went nowhere.

Further complicating the immigration debate, Senate Bill 1642 proposed granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, a move that would have likely extended voting rights to non-citizens. At a time when election integrity was a major concern for many voters, this proposal was seen as a backdoor method of diluting citizens’ voices at the ballot box. It never made it out of committee.

There was also Senate Bill 1645, which would have implemented rent control across Arizona. While it may have seemed like a solution to rising housing costs to those without a basic knowledge of economics, rent control has been widely discredited in other states for causing housing shortages and deterring new construction. This heavy-handed approach to housing policy failed to gain traction.

The session also featured a blatant attempt at partisan overreach with Senate Bill 1347, which sought to bar Donald Trump from the Arizona ballot in 2024. Regardless of one’s opinion of Trump, this attempt to legislate a popular candidate off the ballot was viewed by many as an undemocratic move that undermined voter choice. It was quickly dismissed.

Even more extreme was Senate Bill 1349, which sought to decriminalize illegal immigration. This proposal would have effectively legalized border crossings and violations of immigration law, making Arizona an open-door state. Unsurprisingly, this radical plan was met with immediate opposition and went nowhere in the Legislature.

Lastly, Democrats introduced House Bill 2868, which would have prohibited landlords from evicting tenants who used part of their rent money to pay utility bills. This measure created a potential nightmare for landlords, especially small property owners, by making it harder to evict non-paying tenants. It never received broad support.

In the end, these proposals failed not because of partisan gridlock but because they were simply out of step with the needs and values of most Arizonans. While the 2024 session saw a flurry of unusual ideas from the left, the Arizona Legislature ultimately rejected these fringe policies in favor of more practical approaches. The state deserves serious solutions to real problems, not a weird agenda disconnected from the everyday realities of its citizens.