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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
tourism advisory council; representation
Purpose
Modifies the representation for the Tourism Advisory Council (Council) by adding La Paz County to an area that currently consists of Mohave and Yuma County.
Background
The Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) must: 1) stimulate and encourage all local, state, regional and federal governmental agencies and all private persons and enterprises to participate and cooperate in the promotion of tourism and tourism development in Arizona; 2) formulate policies, plans and programs designed to promote tourism in Arizona; 3) advise with and make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature on all matters concerning tourism; 4) make an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature on AOT's activities, finances and the scope of AOT's operations; and 5) conduct an annual statewide tourism symposium to discuss tourism promotion efforts, problems and matters of interest to the tourism industry (A.R.S. § 41-2305).
The Council is comprised of 15 members who are appointed by the Governor to assist and advise the Director of the AOT in preparation of the budget and establishing policies and programs which promote and develop tourism in Arizona. Members of the Council include representatives from recreational and tourist attractions, lodging, restaurant or food and transportation industries, other tourism businesses and the general public. The Council must include one member from the following six geographical planning areas: 1) Area 1, which consists of Maricopa County; 2) Area 2, which consists of Pima County; 3) Area 3, which consists of Apache, Coconino, Navajo and Yavapai County; 4) Area 4, which consists of Mohave and Yuma County; 5) Area 5, which consists of Gila and Pinal County; and 6) Area 6, which consists of Graham, Greenlee, Cochise and Santa Cruz County (A.R.S. § 41-2304).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Modifies the representation for the Council by adding La Paz County to Area 4, which currently consists of Mohave and Yuma County.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
RED 1/29/26 DP 7-0-0-0
3rd Read 2/19/26 56-0-4
Prepared by Senate Research
March 20, 2026
AN/KP/ci