Presidents Message

Dear Members,

This month marks 13 years for me at the Arizona Trucking Association. It’s been an incredible ride. I am deeply grateful for your friendship, your trust, and your support along the way. Together, we’ve navigated recessions, regulatory battles, supply chain crises, and more legislative curveballs than I can count. I wouldn’t trade this work—or this community—for anything.

Speaking of curveballs… the Legislature is moving at a breakneck pace this session. At last count, lawmakers have introduced 1,966 bills—the most in Arizona history—and they’re not done yet. We are tracking dozens that directly impact trucking, commerce, and the broader business climate. Below are several key bills we are actively engaged on:

ATA Priority & Monitored Legislation

SB1452 – Cargo Theft Task Force https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85610
Requires the Attorney General to establish a Cargo Theft Task Force to investigate and combat crimes involving theft, diversion, embezzlement, or fraudulent acquisition of cargo or freight impacting interstate and intrastate commerce. With cargo theft rising dramatically nationwide, this is a major ATA priority.

SB1547 – Alternative Fuel Tax https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85159
Establishes alternative fuel taxes and flat fees for vehicles powered by electricity, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, and other nontraditional fuels. Ensures parity and road-use fairness as vehicle technology evolves.

HB2345 – Unlawful Presence; Commercial Vehicle; Forfeiture https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84091
Creates a Class 5 felony for possession of a falsified CDL by a person unlawfully present in the U.S., mandates seizure and auction of the vehicle involved, and imposes civil penalties on employers who knowingly hire such individuals.

HB2443 – CDL English Proficiency https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84215
Requires original CDL applicants to demonstrate English proficiency across reading, speaking, writing, and listening components.

HB2446 – Motor Carriers; English Proficiency https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84218
Requires motor carriers to demonstrate English proficiency during inspections and authorizes out-of-service orders if proficiency standards are not met.

HB2428 – Emissions; Reduction Credits; Counties https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84198
Allows counties and ADEQ to issue voluntary permits certifying emission reduction credits for portable and mobile sources, creating potential compliance and operational considerations for fleets.

HB2305 – Private Towing Carriers; Regulation; Rates https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84041
Preempts local regulation of private towing rates and ties rates to DPS tow agreements. We are actively engaged to ensure consumer protections and oversight remain balanced.

HB4088 – Commercial Motor Vehicle; Liability Insurance https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85610
Requires intrastate agricultural carriers to maintain coverage sufficient for emergency towing and recovery services and establishes lien procedures for unpaid charges. This bill raises significant cargo liability and financial responsibility concerns.

For a full list of bills ATA is tracking please visit: https://app.skywolf.ai/reports/9158c7d3-7455-44d8-bf4c-118aa351d137/130?from=reports-list

As always, we are working to protect your businesses, improve safety, and ensure trucking remains strong and competitive in Arizona. This session is moving fast—but so are we.

Thank you again for 13 great years. The road ahead is busy, but I’m grateful to be traveling it with you.

Tony