New Disabilities Bill Takes Aim at Supporting 60,000 Vulnerable Families

The Arizona House of Representatives passed a significant bill addressing the state’s developmental disabilities crisis. The legislation, approved with bipartisan support in a 48-11 vote yesterday, secures essential funding and implements reforms to ensure continued services for the approximately 60,000 vulnerable adults and minors who rely on the state’s Developmental Disabilities Program.​

The bill allocates substantial resources, including $109 million from the prescription drug rebate fund and an additional $403 million from Medicaid expenditure authority, to sustain and enhance services for individuals with developmental disabilities. A key provision of the legislation is the establishment of a “Parents as Paid Caregivers” program, allowing parents or legal guardians to be compensated for providing care to their children with developmental disabilities. This program, set to begin in 2025, recognizes the vital role families play in the daily care of individuals with disabilities.​

The legislation also introduces measures to improve accountability and transparency in the program’s administration. These include the implementation of an electronic visit verification system to monitor care provided by both family members and non-family providers, as well as the development of standardized assessment tools to determine the care needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.​

Despite the broad support for the bill, there was notable opposition from a faction within the Republican Party. Eleven Republican members, primarily from the Arizona Freedom Caucus, voted against the legislation. Their dissent, according to The Arizona Mirror, stemmed from concerns over the allocation of funds and the perceived lack of sufficient reforms to the program. This division highlights ongoing debates within the party regarding the balance between funding and programmatic changes.

Governor Katie Hobbs has expressed support for the bill and is expected to sign it into law. The legislation now moves to the Senate for final approval. If enacted, it will provide much-needed stability and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families across Arizona.