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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFifty-seventh Legislature First Regular Session |
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HB 2146: Arizona border coordination office; appropriation
Sponsor: Representative Blackman, LD 7
Committee on Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Overview
Appropriates $50,000,000 from the state General Fund in FY 2026 for the Arizona Border Coordination Office (Office) to coordinate between federal, local and state agencies to address border-related security, public safety and humanitarian concerns.
History
The Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) is overseen by the Governor as the Commander-in-Chief, who appoints an Adjutant General. DEMA consists of the Adjutant General, Warrant Officers, enlisted personnel and employees (A.R.S. § 26-101).
The Adjutant General, serving as the director of DEMA, operates under the orders of the Commander-in-Chief. They are responsible for executing all orders relating to the militia, organizing and allocation of units, recruiting personnel, public relations and disciplining and training the Arizona National Guard. Additionally, the Adjutant General is responsible for emergency management, with all emergency activities requiring their approval (A.R.S. § 26-102).
Provisions
1. Appropriates $50,000,000 from the state General Fund in FY 2026 to DEMA to support the Office, monies are exempt from lapsing. (Sec. 3)
2. Designates the monies appropriated to prioritize the following:
a) local law enforcement support and training;
b) emergency response operations for border-related public safety incidents; and
c) humanitarian assistance for local communities impacted by migration and border challenges. (Sec. 3)
3. Specifies that no monies can be used to engage in any immigration enforcement activities reserved for federal authorities. (Sec. 3)
Arizona Border Coordination Office
4. Authorizes DEMA to create the Office to enhance cooperation and coordination between agencies in Arizona, federal agencies, local law enforcement agencies and community organizations to address border-related security, public safety and humanitarian concerns. (Sec. 2)
5. Requires the DEMA Director to appoint a qualified director to the Office with a background in border security, emergency management or public administration. (Sec. 2)
6. Requires the Office to do the following:
a) coordinate with outlined federal agencies to ensure alignment with federal laws governing border-related security;
b) create state-level training programs for emergency response and public safety personnel in responding to border security issues by coordinating with federal and state-level training centers;
c) act as a central hub for resource allocation for border-related operations;
d) collaborate with the Arizona National Guard, under the authority of the Governor to ensure compliance with all federal mandates concerning National Guard deployments;
e) act as a liaison between Arizona and federal authorities to ensure effective communication, resource allocation and support for lawful border-related operations;
f) actively apply for federal grants to supplement state funding; and
g) by December 31st of each year submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chairperson of the Senate Military and Border Committee, or its successor committee, and the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Federalism, Military Affairs and Elections Committee or its successor committee. (Sec. 2)
7. Specifies the federal grants to supplement state funding to include all of the following:
a) Federal Emergency Management Agency Grants;
b) United States Department of Homeland Security Grant Programs; and
c) Bureau of Justice Assistance Grants under the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program. (Sec. 2)
8. Specifies the annual report to contain the following:
a) a summary of progress on state-coordinated border security initiatives;
b) the status and effectiveness of state-supported emergency operations in border regions; and
c) recommendations for improving state, federal and local coordination when addressing border-related issues. (Sec. 2)
9. Requires the Office to operate strictly within the parameters of federal laws governing border security. (Sec. 2)
10. Prohibits the Office from assuming or exercising any federal enforcement authority. (Sec. 2)
11. Instructs all state-supported border operations and personnel to comply with constitutional protections, including rights under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and any relevant state laws relating to lawful searches and seizures and detention. (Sec. 2)
12. Includes the Adjutant General's annual report on the preceding fiscal year needs to include a detailed financial report of the monies, grants and measurable outcomes achieved by the Office. (Sec. 1)
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