Early on the morning of May 4, the Arizona Legislature adjourned the Second Regular Session of the 53rd Legislature.

No discussion of the work of the recently completed session would be complete without addressing education, education funding and engagement by virtually the entire legislative community. The Chamber of Commerce, the Governor, the movement, the Legislature, all stood together – and apart – in their support for improved funding for our schools. This came not just as the session ended with HB2663, part of the budget passed in the early morning of May 5 and signed into law at about 6 that morning by Gov. Ducey. But it was seen earlier in the session when the legislature enacted SB1390 to continue a 20-year sales tax first enacted by the voters in 2000.

Other highlights of the session include a major revision to the statutes that govern limited liability companies. This law, SB1353, does not simply amend the LLC laws. Effective September 1, 2019, the measure repeals and replaces the existing LLC act. In its place, the Legislature adopted the revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. This measure, developed and supported by a cross-section of the business and legal community, is expected to provide welcome changes to Arizona businesses.

In the wake of questions about privacy and internet security, the Legislature enacted HB2154, which significant changes to the state's data security laws. The new measure provides new powers to the Attorney General to act when breaches occur. It also imposes new obligations on companies that use, maintain or license personal information stored on a computer.

Health care likewise received a great deal of attention from policymakers. Early in its work this year, the legislature enacted is a "special session" a comprehensive measure to address the ongoing opioid crisis. The trigger for this legislation likewise led to several pieces of legislation – including SB1451, SB1465, HB2529 for the treatment and housing of recovering individuals in sober living homes.

Legislation enacted during the Regular Session will become effective on August 3, 2018, unless the measure contained a special effective date. In January, the Legislature met in a Special Session to address the opioid crisis and laws adopted in that Session became effective on April 26, 2018.

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