HB 2490 Summary

• Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 4-201 to modify procedures for liquor license approvals by local governing bodies and the state liquor board.

• Requires municipalities in counties with populations of 400,000 or more to obtain a two-thirds vote from the state liquor board to override a two-thirds municipal disapproval of new or transferred liquor licenses.

• Grants municipalities in counties with populations under 400,000 absolute veto power over new or transferred liquor licenses through a two-thirds vote disapproval, preventing state board approval.

• Modifies protest filing deadlines and procedures, allowing written protests to be filed no later than 15 calendar days following local governing body action or 60 days after application filing.

• Changes language clarifying that local residents may testify regardless of whether they use or abstain from alcohol, and that municipal disapproval recommendations must include specific reasons and evidence summaries.