The Arizona Senate passed a bill that bars the use of state and local money from being used on hotels that take paying customers while providing temporary shelter to unhoused people.
Legislative opponents say such a bill further stigmatizes the homeless population.
"It harms vulnerable populations including veterans, domestic violence survivors, seniors, youths, families who rely on this option as a last resort. And there are several situations where mixed housing is the best option," said Democratic state Sen. Lauren Kuby.
The hotels would have to say on their website that they provide shelter services, as well as posting signs on hotel property.
The measure now goes back to the House.
More news on homelessness
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Maricopa County has confirmed 230 heat-related deaths so far in 2026 — a 60% increase compared to the same point last year. Another 567 deaths are still under investigation. -
Summer in metro Phoenix is proving to be, yet again, one of the hottest on record.
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An extreme heat warning remains in effect through Sunday. High temperatures are expected to be above 110 degrees. Cooling centers across the Valley are seeing high demand. -
Phoenix budgeted $2.5 million annually for a new master lease program. The city's Office of Homeless Solutions will rent about 50 apartments and sublet those units to people coming out of shelters. -
The Tucson City Council today will hear a presentation about a new pilot program called the Focused Deterrence Quality of Life Initiative. It’s a six-month pilot and appears to be focused on the city’s northwest side.
