Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has ended the monthlong moratorium that halted her approval of new legislation, signaling renewed momentum in budget negotiations between her office and Republican lawmakers.
A spokesperson for the governor confirmed Thursday that Hobbs would once again consider bills passed by the Legislature after what the administration described as productive discussions on a bipartisan state budget.
The moratorium began April 13, when Hobbs announced she would stop signing legislation until Republican leaders publicly released their budget proposal. Republicans hold majorities in both the Arizona House and Senate.
During the standoff, Hobbs said she would allow exceptions for two public safety measures. One of those bills, establishing a new death benefit for first responders, was eventually signed into law. The second measure, supplemental funding for the Arizona Department of Public Safety, has not yet cleared the Legislature.
Republican lawmakers later unveiled a $17.9 billion spending plan on April 27, but Hobbs quickly signaled opposition to the proposal, arguing it lacked bipartisan input. She maintained the moratorium while monitoring whether negotiations would continue in earnest.
Despite the governor’s objections, Republican legislators approved the spending package on May 4. Hobbs vetoed the proposal the following day, criticizing it as fiscally irresponsible and politically divisive.
Following the veto, the Arizona House recessed and is expected to return June 1 as budget discussions continue behind the scenes.
