Bill > HB2146

This bill establishes the Arizona Border Coordination Office within the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, with a significant $50 million state general fund appropriation for fiscal year 2025-2026. The office's primary purpose is to enhance cooperation between state, federal, and local agencies on border-related security, public safety, and humanitarian issues. The office will be led by a director appointed by the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, who has expertise in border security, emergency management, or public administration. Its key responsibilities include coordinating with federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection, developing training programs for emergency response personnel, managing resource allocation, serving as a liaison between state and federal authorities, and actively seeking federal grants to supplement state funding. The office is required to submit an annual report detailing its border security initiatives, emergency operations, and recommendations for improved coordination. The bill explicitly stipulates that the office must operate within federal law, cannot assume federal enforcement authority, and must respect constitutional protections. The appropriated funds are to be prioritized for local law enforcement support, emergency response operations, and humanitarian assistance, with a specific prohibition on using funds for immigration enforcement activities reserved for federal authorities.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81842