AZ HB2043

Authorizes the director of the department of health services to lease or develop state hospital property through contracts with third parties, short-term and long-term lease agreements to enhance the highest and best use of the property.

Requires the department to hold a public hearing at least 30 days before issuing requests for proposals regarding state hospital property disposition.

Establishes the Arizona state hospital charitable trust fund to receive monies from contracts and lease agreements, with funds continuously appropriated for the benefit of persons with mental illness in Arizona.

Exempts state hospital land and building leases from competitive bidding requirements in statutes 37-802 and 37-803, requiring only that fair rental value be ensured.

Adds state hospital lease authority as an exception to the state competition with private enterprise prohibition in statute 41-2752.