Arizona House of Representatives Committee on Rural Economic Development Report of Regular Meeting for January 29, 2026

Summary

A report of the regular meeting of the Arizona House of Representatives Committee on Rural Economic Development held Thursday, January 29, 2026 in the Fifty-seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session. The report records the committee convening at 9:01 A.M. and adjourning at 9:38 A.M., with Representatives Biasiucci, Blackman, Hernandez, Peshlakai, Volk, Lopez as Vice-Chairman and Martinez as Chairman present. It records do-pass recommendations on HB2258, HB2065, HB2066, HB2106 and HB2071, with votes of 7-0-0-0 and 6-1-0-0, and that HB2237 was held. The agenda lists the bills by short title, including appropriations for Apache Junction and a transportation tax deposit measure. Attachments include the original agenda, a Request to Speak report, an attendance record and the standing committee rules; the report is stamped received by the Chief Clerk's Office on February 2, 2026.

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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session

COMMITTEE ON RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

House Hearing Room 4 -- 9:00 A.M.

Convyened 9:01 A.M.
Recessed
Reconvened
Adjourned 9:38 A.M.

Members Present

Representative Biasiucci
Representative Blackman
Representative Hernandez
Representative Peshlakai
Representative Volk

Representative Lopez, Vice-Chairman
Representative Martinez, Chairman

Agenda
Original Agenda — Attachment 1

Request to Speak
Report — Attachment 2

Committee Attendance
Report — Attachment 3

Adoption of Committee Rules
Report — Attachment 4

Comunittee Action

Bill Action
HB2258 DP
HB2065 DP
HB2066 DP
HB2106 DP
HB2071 DP
HB2237 HELD

Report of Regular Meeting
Thursday, January 29, 2026

RECEIVED
CHIEF CLERKS OFFICE

FEB 02 2026

Members Not Present

Vote Attachments
7-0-0-0 5,6

6-1-0-0 7,8

6-1-0-0 9,10

7-0-0-0 11,12

6-1-0-0 13,14

peyie Laban

Veronica Graham, Committee Secretary

February 2, 2026

(Original attachments on file in the Office of the Chief Clerk; video archives available at http://www.azleg.gov)

COMMITTEE ON RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

January 29, 2026
REVISED - 1/28/26 REVISED - 1/28/26 REVISED - 1/28/26
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Convened GO] ay

Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Odjourned 4: 3 3 A ™
COMMITTEE ON RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DATE Thursday, January 29, 2026 ROOM HHR4 TIME 9:00 A.M.

Members of the public may access a livestream of the meeting here:
hitps://www.azleg.gov/videoplayer/?clientID=6361 162879 &eventID=202601 1098

Members:
Representative Biasiucci Representative Peshlakai Representative Lopez, Vice-Chairman
Representative Blackman Representative Volk Representative Martinez, Chairman
Representative Hernandez C
¢ Introduction of members and staff
e Adoption of Committee rules
Bills Short Title Strike Everything Title
HB2065 appropriation; Apache Junction; housing
(Blackman)

b- -f} RED, APPROP, RULES

HB2066 ps ) appropriation; Apache Junction; technology;

connectivity

_ t~ (Blackman)
b 0 O RED, APPROP, RULES

HB2071 D ‘ ) appropriation; Apache Junction; rural development
(Blackman)

- [- 0- a) RED, APPROP, RULES

HB2106 pv transportation tax; deposit; county board
(Martinez)

( L. () (Oren, RULES
HB2237 appropriation; Apache Junction; tourism;
recreation

(Blackman)
RED, APPROP, RULES

HB2258 Dp tourism advisory council; representation
(Biasiucci)

q. )- )-D RED, RULES

ORDER OF BILLS TO BE SET BY THE CHAIRMAN

BA
ve

People with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations such as interpreters, alternative formats, or
assistance with physical accessibility. If you require accommodations, please contact the Chief Clerk's Office at
(602) 926-3032 or through Arizona Relay Service 7-1-1.

Page 1 of 1 Attachment_ot
Information Registered on the Request to Speak System

House Rural Economic Development (1/29/2026)

HB2065, appropriation; Apache Junction: housing

Support:
Robert Wisler, APACHE JUNCTION, CITY OF; Noah-James Markham, representing self

HB2066, appropriation; Apache Junction: technology: connectivity

Support:
Robert Wisler, APACHE JUNCTION, CITY OF; Noah-James Markham, representing self

All Comments:
Robert Wisler, APACHE JUNCTION, CITY OF: The City greatly appreciates Representative Blackman's interest in the City. Amongst the
bills in committee today, the City of Apache Junction most prioritizes this bill (HB2066)

HB2071, appropriation; Apache Junction: rural development

Support:
Robert Wisler, APACHE JUNCTION, CITY OF; Noah-James Markham, representing self

HB2106, transportation tax: deposit: county board

Support:
Mark Barnes, PINAL COUNTY; Heather Bernacki Wilkey, QUEEN CREEK, TOWN OF; Robert Wisler, APACHE JUNCTION, CITY OF; Cole
Libera, Pinal Partnership; Craig McFarland, representing self; Katy Proctor, City Of Maricopa

All Comments:

Cole Libera, Pinal Partnership: Letter sent to Representative Martinez on behalf of Pinal Partnerhsip; Craig McFarland, Self: Dollars
collected from this TPT (Tax) that was collected from Pinal County should remain in Pinal County. Thank you, Representative Terresa
Martinez!

HB2237, appropriation; Apache Junction; tourism; recreation

Support:
Robert Wisler, APACHE JUNCTION, CITY OF; Noah-James Markham, representing self

HB2258, tourism advisory council; representation

Attachment_OXd
ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATURE

Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session

COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE RECORD

COMMITTEE ON RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CHAIRMAN: Teresa Martinez VICE-CHAIRMAN: _ Chris Lopez
DATE 01/29/26
CONVENED O-o\ am
RECESSED
RECONVENED
ADJOURNED 4:48 aw
MEMBERS PRESENT NOT PRESENT
Biasiucci VA ;
Blackman WA
Hernandez C S
Peshlakai S
Volk v4
Lopez, Vice-Chairman S
Martinez, Chairman Va
TOTAL CL

Attachment 03
January 26, 2026

Attachment 1
Committee on Rural Economic Development
Standing Committee Rules

RULE 1. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum. No official
action may be taken unless a quorum is present in person at the time of taking such
action.

RULE 2. The chairman sets the agenda and determines the order of measures. The chairman
also controls all public testimony.

RULE 3. — The following motions are customary and in order relating to actions on measures:

1, Do pass

2. Do pass as amended

3. Return for consideration of the House
4, Hold for further study

5. Do not pass

6. Be assigned to subcommittee for....

RULE 4. The affirmative vote of a majority of those voting is required to take any action.

RULES. Ona roll call vote the names of committee members shall be called alphabetically
by surname; except that the vice chairman and the chairman shall be called upon
last. Each member present shall be allowed to pass on one call of the roll, and shall
vote “yes” or “no” (aye, nay) or respond “present.” Members may change their
votes before the announcement of the results and members may explain their vote
on any measure.

RULE 6. Whenever a measure is reported from the committee on a divided vote, any member
may request a minority report.

RULE 7, All amendments (except strike-everything amendments, see House Rule 8(T) shall
be distributed to each committee member’s office by 12:00 P.M. the day before the
committee at which it will be offered. Verbal amendments may be offered during
the committee meeting at the discretion of the chairman.

In accordance with Rule 9 of the House Rules, the following House Rules are also incorporated
into the Committee Rules:

RULE 9(C). Each Standing Committee shall adopt and file with the Chief Clerk’s Office
rules of procedure consistent with the House Ru/es and shall include the

following:

1. With the exception of executive session ordered by a majority of the
committee constituting a quorum, all committee meetings shall be open to
the other members of the Legislature, the press and public so long as proper
decorum is maintained.

Attachment L
January 26, 2026
2. All committees shall meet at regularly scheduled times and places unless
canceled with the permission of the Speaker. In the absence of the chairman,
the vice chairman shall preside. In the absence of both the chairman and
vice chairman, some other committee member designated by the Speaker
shall preside.

3. The committee chairman (presiding officer) other than the chairman of the
Committee on Rules shall prepare an agenda and distribute copies to
committee members, the Information Desk and the Chief Clerk's Office by
5:00 p.m. at least five days before the committee meeting. Absence of a bill,
memorial or resolution from the committee agenda will prohibit its
consideration unless unanimous consent of all committee members is
obtained. Unless a reconsideration motion has been offered and failed, a
chairman may place a measure that failed in Committee on any subsequent
agenda.

4. A bill not on the committee agenda shall be scheduled for discussion at the
next subsequent committee meeting by a presentation of a petition
containing the signatures of two-thirds or more of the committee members.

5. A roll call vote shall be taken in each standing committee when final action
on any bill is voted.

6. Written committee minutes shall be filed with the Chief Clerk’s Office
within a reasonable time but no later than two weeks from time of
completion of meetings. An audio recording of the meeting shall be open to
public inspection in the Chief Clerk’s Office three working days after the
meeting. Attendance records of all committee meetings shall be filed with
the Chief Clerk’s Office within 24 hours from time of completion of
meetings.

7. Special meetings may be called by the chairman but require permission of
the Speaker and notice to members and the general public at the Information
Desk by 5:00 p.m. on the previous day, except that the notice of a special
meeting of the Committee on Rules may be given in open session prior to
the meeting and does not require the Speaker's permission.

RULE 9 (E). No committee other than the Committee on Rules shall meet while the House is
meeting in session without special permission of the Speaker.
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session
Majority Research Staff

HB 2258: tourism advisory council; representation
Sponsor: Representative Biasiucci, LD 30
Committee on Rural Economic Development

Overview
Expands one geographical planning area as representing on the Tourism Advisory Council
to include La Paz.

History
The Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) is responsible for promoting and developing tourism in

Arizona. The AOT is led by a Director who is appointed by the Governor. The Director is
assisted and advised by the Tourism Advisory Council (Council) in preparation of the budget
and in establishment of policies and programs which promote and develop tourism in
Arizona.

The Council consists of 15 members, appointed by the Governor, serving five-year terms. The
members must be from recreational and tourist attractions, lodging, restaurant or food and
transportation industries, other tourism businesses and the general public. There must be at
least one member from each of the six geographical planning areas: 1) Area 1 Maricopa; 2)
Area 2 Pima; 3) Area 3 Apache, Coconino, Navajo and Yavapai; 4) Area 4 Mohave and Yuma;
5) Area 5 Gila and Pinal; and 6) Area 6 Graham, Greenlee, Cochise and Santa Cruz (A.R.S.
§§ 41-2302, 41-2304).

Provisions
1, Adds La Paz County to Area 4 of the six geographical planning areas of Arizona for
purposes relating to the appointment of members to the Council. (Sec. 1)

2. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)

C] Prop 105 (45 votes) OC) Prop 108 (40 votes) Emergency (40 votes) Fiscal Note

Initials PB HB 2258
1/26/2026 Page 1 Rural Economic Development

Attachment D_
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session

ROLL CALL VOTE

COMMITTEE ON Rural Economic Development BILL NO.

HB 2258

MOTION: Lo |

DATE January 29, 2026
PASS AYE y NAY PRESENT | ABSENT
Biasiucci Ww
Blackman VA
Hernandez C W4
Peshlakai Y >
Volk WA
Lopez, Vice-Chairman 4 y
Martinez, Chairman A
O ae,

‘Denial Choham

SAMARTINEZ, Chairman
CHRIS LOPEZ, Vice-Chairman

COMMITTEE SECRETARY

ATTACHMENT. lp

ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session
Majority Research Staff

HB 2065: appropriation; Apache Junction; housing
Sponsor: Representative Blackman, LD 7
Committee on Rural Economic Development

Overview

Appropriate the sum of $9,500,000 from the state General Fund (GF) in Fiscal Year (FY)
2027 to the State Treasurer to distribute to the City of Apache Junction for housing
infrastructure and housing rehabilitation and blight abatement.

History
The Office of the State Treasurer Arizona is responsible for the banking and investment

management duties for the state, provides investment services to local governments, and
exclusively manages the Permanent Land Endowment.

Provisions

1. Appropriates the following amounts from the GF in FY 2027 to the State Treasurer to
distribute to the City of Apache Junction:
a. $6,500,000 to fund affordable housing infrastructure; and
b. $38,000,000 for housing rehabilitation and blight abatement. (Sec. 1)

O Prop 105 (45 votes) © Prop 108 (40 votes) O Emergency (40 votes) O Fiscal Note

Initials PB HB 2065
1/15/2026 Page 1 Rural Economic Development

Attachment_ fa
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session

ROLL CALL VOTE
COMMITTEE ON Rural Economic Development BILL NO. HB 2065
DATE January 29, 2026 MOTION: »
PASS AYE , NAY PRESENT | ABSENT
Biasiucci WA /
Blackman W/
Hernandez C V4 /
Peshlakai .
Volk iv,

Lopez, Vice-Chairman

Martinez, Chairman

|

0

[ y sonia Ulehan

CHRIS LOPEZ, Vice- Chairfian

COMMITTEE SECRETARY

ATTACHMENT. } ‘

ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session
Majority Research Staff

HB 2066: appropriation; Apache Junction; technology; connectivity
Sponsor: Representative Blackman, LD 7
Committee on Rural Economic Development

Overview

Appropriates $8,000,000 from the state General Fund (GF) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 to the
State Treasurer to distribute to the City of Apache Junction to fund the expansion of
broadband and fiber optic networks,

History
The Office of the State Treasurer Arizona is responsible for the banking and investment

management duties for the state, provides investment services to local governments, and
exclusively manages the Permanent Land Endowment.

Provisions
1. Appropriates $8,000,000 from the GF in FY 2027 to the State Treasurer for distribution

to the City of Apache Junction for the expansion of broadband and fiber optic networks.
(Sec. 1)

UO Prop 105 (45 votes) O Prop 108 (40 votes) O Emergency (40 votes) O Fiscal Note

Initials PB HB 2066
1/15/2026 Page 1 Rural Economic Development

Attachment_ q
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session

ROLL CALL VOTE
COMMITTEE ON Rural Economic Development BILL NO. HB 2066
DATE January 29, 2026 MOTION: x
PASS AYE NAY PRESENT | ABSENT
Biasiucci
Blackman

Hernandez C

Peshlakai

Y

Volk

Lopez, Vice-Chairman

ss

Martinez, Chairman

SKIS NANG

| | 0 O

R

w/, Vorpyin Pbabior
ee, COMMITTEE SECRETARY

(Sieter RTINEZ, Ghairman
(Sieter LOPEZ, Vice-Chairman

artacumenr__|O
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session
Majority Research Staff

HB 2106: transportation tax; deposit; county board
Sponsor: Representative Martinez, LD 16
Committee on Rural Economic Development

Overview

An emergency measure that allocates any undistributed or nonrefunded revenues collected
from a county transportation excise tax to the Arizona Department of Transportation for
transportation projects in the county.

History

A county may establish a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) which is a public,
political, tax levying public improvement and taxing subdivision of this state and a municipal
corporation to the extent of the powers and privileges conferred by statute. The government
of the authority is vested in a board of directors composed of the members of the regional
council of governments that are from the county that established the authority (Title 48.
Chapter 30, A.R.S.)

Statute allows a county's RTA, if approved by qualified electors voting in a countywide
election, to levy a transportation excise tax. The Department of Revenue collects the net
revenues for deposit into the regional transportation fund or the public transportation
authority fund, based on population and in accordance with statute (A.R.S. § 42-6106).

Provisions
1. Directs the net revenues collected, including interest earned, that are not distributed nor
refunded prior to April 10, 2026, be distributed:

a. for a county with a population of more than 400,000 persons that levied and collected
the tax, to the Department of Transportation for transportation projects in the county;
and

b, for a county with a population of 400,000 persons or less that levied and collected the
tax, to the Department of Transportation for transportation projects in the county.
(Sec. 1)

2. Contains an emergency clause. (Sec 2)

[} Prop 105 (45 votes) O Prop 108 (40 votes) & Emergency (40 votes) O Fiscal Note

Initials PB HB 2106
1/26/2026 Page 1 Rural Economic Development

Attachment sin
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session

ROLL CALL VOTE

COMMITTEE ON Rural Economic Development BILLNO. HB 2106

DATE January 29, 2026 MOTION: D |

PASS AYE NAY PRESENT | ABSENT

Biasiucci A y
Blackman M4

Hernandez C JS /
Peshlakai J /
Volk y
Lopez, Vice-Chairman A,
Martinez, Chairman WA

TLod [0 [0
Yorariw Lpbohao

COMMITTEE SECRETARY

ee Wp
—TERESA MARTINEZ, Chairman
CHRIS LOPEZ, Vice-Chairm

ATTACHMENT | A
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session
Majority Research Staff

HB 2071: appropriation; Apache Junction; rural development
Sponsor: Representative Blackman, LD 7
Committee on Rural Economic Development

Overview

Appropriates the sum of $15,500,000 from the state General Fund (GF) in Fiscal Year (FY)
2027 to the State Treasurer to distribute to the City of Apache Junction for economic
development and infrastructure projects.

History

The Office of the State Treasurer Arizona is responsible for the banking and investment
management duties for the state, provides investment services to local governments, and
exclusively manages the Permanent Land Endowment.

Provisions
1. Appropriates the following amounts from the GF in FY 2027 to the State Treasurer to
distribute to the City of Apache Junction:
a. $5,000,000 for support of a rural business and workforce hub;
b. $6,000,000 for support of a rural infrastructure revitalization; and
c. $4,500,000 for the development of a rural health and community services facility. (Sec.

1)

O Prop 105 (45 votes) [1 Prop 108 (40 votes) OO Emergency (40 votes) O Fiscal Note

Initials PB HB 2071
1/22/2026 Page 1 Rural Economic Development

Attachment 13
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session

ROLL CALL VOTE

COMMITTEE ON Rural Economic Development BILL NO. HB 2071

DATE January 29, 2026 MOTION: D |

NAY PRESENT | ABSENT

>
~<
m

PASS

Biasiucci

Blackman

Hernandez C

Peshlakai

V4

Volk

Lopez, Vice-Chairman

Martinez, Chairman

TIN INVNSN

O lo

Vora Ff GA

COMMITTEE SECRETARY

APP of

TERESA MARTINEZ, Chéirman
CHRIS LOPEZ, Vice-Chair

ATTACHMENT. |

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