AZ HB2315

Cities and towns cannot regulate occupations or professions unless they conduct a study demonstrating the regulation protects public interest, prevents harm to public health/safety/welfare using objective data, has benefits exceeding costs, and is a true public necessity that cannot be addressed through private certification or alternatives.

Counties are subject to the same regulation requirements for occupations and professions as cities and towns under identical criteria and procedures.

Local governments must submit their study to the State Auditor General for review of methodology soundness, accuracy, rigor, and thoroughness before proceeding.

Local governments must submit a written report to the joint legislative audit committee explaining how they meet the required factors; the legislature must authorize the regulation through legislation before local governments can implement it.

The State Auditor General shall publish an annual list of cities, towns, and counties that regulate professions; any local government regulating an occupation or profession before the law's effective date must repeal that regulation within ten years unless it complies with the new requirements.