Arizona Legislative Session: What to expect for women and girls in Arizona

2026 Arizona Legislative Session Begins 

Centering Economic Security, Equity, and Opportunity for Women and Girls  The 2026 Legislative Session began on January 12 with Governor Katie Hobbs issuing her State of the State address to outline a set of priorities focused on affordability, economic security, public safety, healthcare access, housing accessibility and water security. These priorities were also reflected in her Executive budget recommendations that were released on January 16. Her priorities reflect a recognition that these issues are deeply interconnected and at the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA), we understand that gaps in these systems often have a disproportionate impact on women and girls of all identities.  

A few key takeaways from Governor Hobbs’ State of the State and Budget 

Lowering the Cost of Living   Governor Hobbs emphasized the importance of reducing cost pressures for Arizonans and urged the Legislature to pass her “Middle Class Tax Cut Package,” which includes an increased standard deduction, tax relief on tips and overtime pay, expanded deductions for seniors and relief on interest for new American-made cars. The Governor also highlighted the need to ensure that tax policy changes benefiting billionaires and large corporations do not undermine essential public services. Direct tax relief, coupled with resistance to corporate giveaways, helps stabilize household budgets and protects programs that women and families rely on to meet basic needs.  Arizona Affordability Fund   To help Arizona women and families better manage the rising cost of living, Governor Hobbs announced the creation of the Arizona Affordability Fund. Supported by a small nightly fee on short-term rental stays, the initiative would expand access to utility assistance, support home repairs that lower utility costs and invest in affordable housing. Together, these efforts will lower everyday costs, strengthen housing stability and increase housing accessibility for women and girls across the state.   Housing Investments  The Governor is also launching the Housing Acceleration Fund, a private-public partnership focused on expanding affordable housing in Arizona. The fund will help affordable housing developers access low-cost financing and reduce barriers to building more homes. By increasing affordable housing options across the state, the initiative helps prevent homelessness and ensures more women and families have access to stable and affordable places to live.  

Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona: 2026 Legislative Priorities 

As the session unfolds, WFSA will remain actively engaged at the Legislature advocating for policies that advance gender equity and economic security.  Policy Areas We Are Watching Closely  Healthcare and SNAP With federal implementation of HR1, WFSA will monitor healthcare and nutrition assistance impacts and work to prevent harmful cuts at the state level, especially those affecting women and children.  Childcare  WFSA will continue to advocate for sustainable childcare solutions, including our bill, HB 2647 introduced by Representative Liguori, to allow education to count toward work requirements for DES childcare recipients.  By allowing individuals to qualify for childcare subsidies while pursuing full-time education, parents will be able to obtain jobs that will allow them to transition off public assistance and achieve financial independence through sustainable employment.  Healthy Families Program WFSA strongly supports continued and expanded funding for Healthy Families, an evidence-based, voluntary home visiting program that supports expectant and new parents through a child’s fifth birthday. With current funding set to expire in 2028, sustaining and growing this program is a top priority. Early intervention strengthens families, supports parents and promotes healthy child development, benefitting entire communities statewide.  LGBTQ+ and Immigrant Community Member Defense WFSA will continue to oppose legislation that targets or harms transgender, LGBTQ+ individuals, and immigrant community members while advocating for policies that affirm dignity, safety and equity for all.  Sharing the Self-Sufficiency Standard Tool WFSA partnered with the University of Washington to create the 2025 Self-Sufficiency Standard tool that reflects the true cost of living across Arizona regions. WFSA will work with lawmakers to encourage the use of this data-driven measure as opposed to the outdated federal poverty levels when shaping policy.   Request to Speak (RTS)  WFSA mobilizes advocates through calls to action, including use of Arizona’s Request to Speak (RTS) system – an online tool that allows individuals to register support or opposition to bills without testifying in person.  Advocates can sign up through WFSA’s RTS survey, and once an account is created, it can be used throughout future legislative sessions. RTS Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FTK9SLS  Stay tuned for WFSA’s text message opt in request so you can be informed throughout session and make your opinions known from wherever you call home. 

Call to Action: Stay Engaged, Stay Informed 

Throughout the 2026 session, WFSA will be here to provide updates on legislative developments and equip advocates with the tools needed to support or oppose legislation and budget items that impacts women and girls of all identities.  Through our Gender Equity Network newsletter, we’ll share key moments to use your Request to Speak account, highlight priority bills and elevate opportunities to have your voice heard at the State Capitol.  For those in Tucson please consider joining WFSA at our upcoming Advocacy Happy Hour on February 3rd to learn more about these priorities, bills already gaining traction and create your Request to Speak (RTS) account LIVE at the event. Learn more and register for free here.   Together, we can help create an Arizona where women and girls of all identities thrive – economically, socially, with safety and dignity. Take action for the girls and learn more at womengiving.org.