Senate Republicans Pass Legislation to Require Taxpayer-Funded Government Employees Return to Work

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 27, 2025

PHOENIX, ARIZONA—A bill requiring taxpayer-funded state government employees return to work is now headed to the House for consideration after passing the Senate today with full Republican support.

Senate President Warren Petersen joined Senate Regulatory Affairs & Government Efficiency Chair Shawnna Bolick with championing an amendment to SB 1237 to protect the stewardship of taxpayer dollars and provide accountability for government workers by prohibiting full-time state employees from telework. Exceptions are made for sick employees wishing to work from home with supervisor permission, as well as off-site work required within the employees' outlined duties.

"We have a number of state buildings that are being funded with taxpayer dollars. Allowing government employees to telework while cubicles and offices sit empty is a waste of public resources," said Chairwoman Bolick. "If we aren't going to close these buildings, we need government workers to get off their sofas and head back into the office. The pandemic is over, and in-person collaboration between employees is key to a better work product."

"As we have seen play out from the Trump administration, it is important for all full-time government employees to be accountable to their supervisors," said President Warren Petersen. "This accountability, which can only be achieved through in-person work, increases productivity. It also allows agency leaders to best steward the resources of their departments in order to serve American taxpayers to the fullest extent of their abilities. Arizona taxpayers deserve no less of a commitment from all full-time state employees. I'm excited about this new policy, and I hope that it will be signed into law by the governor." 

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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus kquintero@azleg.gov