Arizona Chamber calls for commonsense reforms to local initiative system 

Arizona Chamber calls for commonsense reforms to local initiative system 

Broadly backed bill, SB 1489, brings long-overdue parity and transparency to the local initiative process 

PHOENIX—The Arizona Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee will hear Senate Bill 1489 on Wednesday, legislation that strengthens transparency and accountability in Arizona’s initiative process. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry is urging lawmakers to advance the bill, citing its role in improving disclosure, consistency, and voter confidence at the local level. 

Sponsored by Sen. T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge), SB 1489 establishes consistent rules for paid petition circulators, improves disclosure requirements for ballot measures that mandate new government spending, and ensures voters receive clear, accurate information before signing or voting on initiatives. 

“Arizona’s initiative process is a powerful tool, and it should be driven by Arizona residents with transparency and accountability,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “SB 1489 contains commonsense reforms that protect the integrity of the ballot, ensure voters know who is behind an initiative, and provide clearer information about proposals that would require new taxpayer-funded spending.” 

Among its provisions, SB 1489 requires paid circulators to clearly identify themselves, including disclosing their state of residency. The bill also strengthens transparency by requiring local ballot measures that mandate new spending to disclose the full cost of the proposal and identify a funding source directly in the ballot description. 

According to polling conducted by Cygnal in December 2025, voters overwhelmingly support these types of reforms. Surveys indicate that 90% of Arizonans believe ballot initiatives should be driven by Arizona residents, not out-of-state organizations, while 84% support requiring paid circulators to wear visible badges that include their name and home state. Additionally, 80% of voters support requiring initiatives that mandate new government spending to identify a funding source, and 70% support greater parity between state and local initiative processes. 

“These numbers underscore what we’re hearing across the state,” said Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the Arizona Chamber. “Voters want transparency, fairness, and clarity. SB 1489 delivers practical guardrails that help voters make informed decisions without limiting their right to participate in the initiative process.” 

The Chamber’s support for SB 1489 aligns with its broader Better in My Backyard (BIMBY) initiative, which advocates for responsible growth, economic opportunity, and policies that protect Arizona communities from unintended consequences driven by out-of-state interests. 

The Chamber has long raised concerns about the growing influence of national advocacy groups using the local initiative process to advance policies that can undermine housing affordability, job creation, and Arizona’s economic competitiveness. 

Additional supporters of the legislation include the Arizona Restaurant Association, Valley Partnership, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Arizona Farm Bureau Federation, Arizona Trucking Association, the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, Health System Alliance of Arizona, local chambers across the state, and more.

Companion measures are also moving in the House, including HB 4115 sponsored by Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-Goodyear) and HCR 2051 sponsored by Rep. Michael Carbone (R-Buckeye).

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