Title
Amend City Code Chapter 12, Article VII, Division 2 to Add Section 12-1504 Relating to Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements (Ordinance G-7460) - Citywide
Description
Request to modify Phoenix City Code Chapter 12, Article VII, Division 2 to add new Section 12-1504, that outlines the campaign finance reporting requirements for Political Action Committees and Candidate Committees as required by State law, noting that the new reporting requirements apply to the City's election year, which is defined as the 12-month period beginning on April 1 through the following March 31.
Report
Summary
SB1581, which was passed by the Arizona Legislature and enacted into law on May 2, 2025, changed the campaign finance reporting requirements for political action committees and candidate committees. The changes for candidate committees assume all jurisdictions hold their primary (1st) and general (2nd) elections in the same calendar year. However, the City of Phoenix 1st (primary) election is held in November of even-numbered years and the 2nd (general) election is held in March of odd-numbered years. Therefore, the changes made by SB1581 for candidate committees do not work for City of Phoenix elections. To remedy this issue, and to comply with the legislature’s intent, staff recommends amending the Phoenix City Code (Attachment A) to add the changes made by SB1581, but applying them to the City’s election year which begins on April 1 and ends on March 31, instead of a regular calendar year (January-December).
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact to the City.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the City Clerk Department.