Capitol roundup: Historic neighborhood housing exemption
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Historic neighborhoods would be exempt from Arizona's new "middle housing" law under a bill narrowly approved by a sharply divided House committee.
The big picture: Gov. Katie Hobbs in 2024 signed legislation requiring cities with 75,000 or more residents to allow duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and townhomes in residential areas within a mile of their central business districts.
- The goal was to ease the state's housing shortage.
- But residents of historic neighborhoods argued the mandate would erode neighborhood character.
State of play: The House Government Committee voted 4-3 on Wednesday to exempt neighborhoods deemed historic by cities or listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Cities could still allow middle housing if it's "compatible with the historic character."
- Lawmakers in both parties split on the vote.
What they're saying: Rep. Matt Gress (R-Phoenix), the bill's sponsor, said the measure protects Arizona's limited historic neighborhoods, arguing luxury units — not affordable housing — would likely replace million-dollar homes in Willo.
- "For me, this legislation is about honoring the history of our state," said Rep. Aaron Márquez (D-Phoenix), a co-sponsor.
The other side: Rep. Rachel Keshel (R-Tucson) questioned why people would push middle housing on the rest of the state while exempting themselves.
- Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton (D-Tucson) argued zoning issues should be left to cities, not the state.
Friday is the deadline for bills to be heard in their originating chambers, making it a busy week at the Capitol.
🚨 Counties would be required to enter into agreements to have federal immigration agents at all polling places and ballot drop boxes for November's election under legislation introduced by Sen. Jake Hoffman (R-Queen Creek).
- Hobbs is effectively guaranteed to veto the plan if it reaches her desk.
- The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee is scheduled to hear the bill Friday.
💨 The judiciary committee on Friday will also take up proposals from Sen. J.D. Mesnard (R-Chandler) to make it a crime to cause excess marijuana smoke in residential areas.
👀 Republicans on the Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee advanced a bill to require companies, their officers and directors to disclose contributions to the governor's campaign and affiliated political organizations.
- The proposal followed pay-for-play allegations involving Hobbs and a residential group home that received a substantial rate increase from the Department of Child Safety.
- Hobbs unveiled her own ethics reform plan this week, but it has no sponsor and appears unlikely to get traction.
✝️ One Democrat joined Republicans to advance legislation in the House Judiciary Committee making it a misdemeanor to disrupt religious services.