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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
petting zoos; handwashing; supervision
Purpose
Establishes handwashing, sanitation and signage requirements for petting zoos, animal encounter exhibits and similar operations. Allows the Department of Health Services (DHS) to adopt rules to implement the handwashing and sanitation requirements.
Background
The Director of DHS is responsible for: 1) administering public health support services which include consumer health protection programs for general sanitation and health education and training programs; 2) formulating policies, plans and programs to effectuate the missions and purposes of DHS; 3) providing a system of unified and coordinated health services and programs between Arizona and county governmental health units at all levels of government; 4) providing information and advice on request by local, state and federal agencies and by private citizens, business enterprises and community organizations on matters within the scope of DHS's duties subject to DHS's rules and regulations on the confidentiality of information; and 5) performing other statutorily prescribed duties (A.R.S. § 36-104).
Personnel who work in an operation in which covered produce or food contact surfaces are at risk of contamination with known or reasonably foreseeable hazards must use hygienic practices while on duty to the extent necessary to protect against contamination. These hygienic practices include washing hands thoroughly, by scrubbing with soap or other surfactant and drying hands thoroughly in prescribed occasions including as soon as practical after touching animals, livestock and working animals or any animal waste (A.A.C. R3-10-602).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires operators of petting zoos, animal encounter exhibits and similar operations to ensure that all people wash their hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer immediately on leaving the area where animals are accessible to the public.
2. Requires each petting zoo, animal encounter exhibit and similar operation to prominently display at all entrances and exits a sign containing a prescribed statement in clear, legible lettering that are at least one inch in height.
3. Requires the operator to post the prescribed sign at a visible location at the event site, inform those running the event that it is recommended that guests wash or sanitize their hands and provide a handwashing or sanitizing station nearby.
4. Requires each petting zoo, animal encounter exhibit and similar operation to maintain the animals in an enclosed or otherwise restricted area so that persons who have not entered through a designated entrance cannot pet, feed or otherwise physically contact the animals.
5. Requires each petting zoo, animal encounter and similar operation to ensure that:
a) at least one responsible adult supervisor is present in the animal contact area at all times during the operation; and
b) each supervisor actively monitors compliance with the outlined handwashing requirements and ensures that all exiting participants comply immediately on leaving the area where the animals are accessible to the public.
6. Exempts petting zoos, animal encounter exhibits and similar operations that are contracted for a single day at a private residence for a private event or party from the outlined handwashing requirements.
7. Deems that the prescribed requirements relating to handwashing apply to all petting zoos, animal encounter exhibits and similar operations, whether permanent or temporary, at which members of the public are allowed to touch or feed live animals.
8. Allows DHS to adopt rules to implement and enforce the prescribed handwashing requirements, including inspection authority and the imposition of a civil penalty of up to $100 per violation.
9. Become effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 13, 2026
SB/hk