AZ HB2156

Prohibits cities, towns, counties, school districts, charter schools, community colleges, and universities from spending or using public resources to influence election outcomes, including monies, facilities, vehicles, personnel, and equipment.

Allows government-sponsored forums or debates using public resources if they remain impartial, purely informational, and provide equal opportunity to all viewpoints; permits rental of public facilities by private entities for election-related activities if occurring at different times/places than government forums.

Permits distribution of factual, neutral informational materials on bond, budget, and override elections as prescribed by law; does not prohibit reporting on official actions of governing bodies.

Establishes civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation plus recovery of misused funds; allows attorney general, county attorney, or residents to file suit in superior court to enforce the prohibition.

Creates new statewide restriction under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 16-192 prohibiting state government and special taxing districts from using public resources to influence elections, with similar exceptions for neutral informational activities and government-sponsored forums.