Senate Passes Accountability Bills to Protect Taxpayers, Strengthen Public Programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, February 16, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Senate Republicans are advancing another round of government accountability and workforce reforms today, passing legislation designed to protect taxpayers, improve efficiency in public programs, and expand access to critical services across the state. Every Senate Democrat voted no.
The legislation complements reforms advanced by President Donald J. Trump and Congressional Republicans through the "One Big Beautiful Bill," reflecting a growing national push to strengthen oversight and ensure taxpayer-funded programs operate as intended.
"At a time when families are watching every dollar, government should be doing the same," said Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh. "These bills close loopholes, reduce waste, strengthen workforce access, and make sure taxpayer-funded programs operate with transparency and common sense."
The legislation approved by the Senate includes:
SB 1036, sponsored by Senator Mark Finchem, strengthens unemployment benefit eligibility standards by ensuring individuals receiving extended benefits are actively seeking and accepting suitable work when jobs are available. The bill modernizes verification requirements and requires additional cross-checking with employment and wage databases before benefits are paid, helping prevent fraud while protecting resources for Arizonans who truly need assistance.
SB 1056, also sponsored by Senator Finchem, targets government inefficiency by requiring state agencies to eliminate long-vacant government positions that have remained unfilled for more than 150 days, with limited exceptions for public safety and higher education entities. The measure increases transparency in state staffing levels and prevents agencies from carrying unused positions on the books.
"Unemployment benefits should help people who are actively trying to get back to work, not reward those who aren't," said Senator Finchem. "And taxpayers shouldn't be paying for government positions that have sat empty for months or even years. These reforms make sure assistance goes to the right people and that state budgeting reflects reality."
SB 1236 / HB 2796 (mirror bills), sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Kavanagh and House Majority Leader Michael Carbone, strengthen oversight within public assistance eligibility systems by improving data matching and verification requirements. The legislation requires more frequent cross-checks with wage, residency, and government databases to confirm eligibility and detect changes that could affect benefits, helping prevent improper payments and ensuring assistance programs remain sustainable for those who legitimately qualify.
SB 1238 / HB 2190 (mirror bills), sponsored by former Majority Leader Janae Shamp and House Majority Whip Julie Willoughby, adopt the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, allowing qualified physician assistants licensed in participating states to practice across state lines while maintaining patient safety standards. The reform expands access to care, especially in rural and underserved communities and helps Arizona respond to healthcare workforce shortages.
"As a nurse, I've seen firsthand how staffing shortages directly impact patient care," said Senator Shamp. "This legislation removes unnecessary barriers so qualified physician assistants can begin serving Arizona patients faster, helping communities get the care they need without compromising safety or standards."
SB 1036 and SB 1056 now advance to the House for further consideration, while HB 2796 and HB 2190 are being transmitted to the Governor’s desk.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus