The Arizona House of Representatives has passed HB 2993, a bill that allows the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to hire its own legal counsel and provides $6.4 million in supplemental funding for state troopers. The legislation follows criticism of Attorney General Mayes, whose recent comments have been condemned by law enforcement leaders and elected officials throughout Arizona. The House also censured Mayes for her statements.
Speaker Montenegro commented on the situation, stating, “Attorney General Mayes chose to inject politics into life-and-death issues involving law enforcement. DPS should not be required to take legal direction from an office that has shown it will blur the law and gamble with officer safety. HB 2993 gives DPS the ability to hire counsel it trusts. And it sends $6.4 million directly to DPS, where it supports the work that keeps Arizona families safe. House Republicans voted to back the badge. House Democrats voted the other way.”
The bill is designed to ensure that DPS is not dependent on legal advice from the Attorney General’s Office if it believes that office prioritizes political messaging over public safety concerns. The additional funding aims to address operational shortfalls affecting public safety across Arizona by redirecting resources from media activities toward enforcement efforts.
Speaker Montenegro added, “Arizona’s troopers deserve clear legal guidance and a team that has their back, not an Attorney General chasing the next headline. HB 2993 puts DPS in control of its own legal representation, keeps politics out of public safety decisions, and delivers funds to support the work that keeps our communities safe.”
HB 2993 will now move forward for consideration in the Arizona Senate.
Carbone, a Republican who was elected in 2023, represents Arizona’s 25th House District after replacing former state representative Michelle Udall.
