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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
homeless; restrooms; water; statewide preemption
Purpose
Requires a municipality and county to provide and maintain 24-hour daily access public restrooms and potable water for use by homeless individuals.
Background
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) offers programs and services to assist persons who are in a time of need including low-income families, domestic violence resources and homelessness resources and services. While DES does not directly administer or provide homeless programs or services, the DES Homeless Coordination Office uses a combination of federal and state funds to contract with local nonprofit and governmental entities to provide services to individuals who are homeless in Arizona. Services include rapid rehousing, emergency shelter, homeless prevention and street outreach. 211 Arizona is a nonprofit that operates an information and referral live-operator service and may partner with cities, towns or counties and local organizations to provide individuals in need, including individuals who are homeless, with assistance and resources (DES; ADOH).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires a municipality and county to provide 24-hour daily access to municipality-maintained or county-maintained public restrooms and potable water for use by homeless individuals.
2. Declares homelessness is a matter of statewide concern and preempts further regulation by a municipality or county.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 14, 2025
AN/slp