AZ SB1559

Municipalities with populations exceeding 500,000 must designate municipally-owned property for camping or sleeping by unsheltered persons for up to 12 consecutive months.

Municipalities must request certification from the Arizona Department of Housing, providing evidence that insufficient shelter beds exist, the designation won't adversely affect property values or safety of nearby residential/commercial areas, and a plan to maintain required standards.

Arizona Department of Housing must approve or deny complete certification requests within 45 days; requests are deemed approved if not denied within this timeframe.

Municipalities must establish and maintain standards including assignment of specific locations, resident registries, sanitation facilities (toilets, showers, running water), coordination with behavioral health services, prohibition of illegal substances and alcohol, and enforcement of all applicable laws.

Published standards must be posted on the municipality's website; the Department of Housing may inspect sites and has authority to close non-compliant properties; residents, businesses, and the Attorney General may bring civil actions to enforce requirements with potential awards of attorney fees and costs.