SB 1656 Summary

• Establishes a committee on executive director selection and retention consisting of the board of behavioral health examiners and the board of massage therapy chairperson and vice chairperson to appoint the executive director of the board of behavioral health examiners, who also serves as director of the board of massage therapy.

• Modifies the Arizona criminal justice commission by increasing appointed members from 16 to 17, requiring victim advocates instead of a single advocate, and mandating members attend at least three of four annual meetings or their positions become vacant.

• Repeals temporary provisions related to massage therapy and behavioral health boards (sections 41-3025.01, 41-3025.03, 41-3025.07, 41-3025.08, 41-3025.10, and 41-3025.13).

• Establishes sunset dates for multiple state boards and commissions: Arizona criminal justice commission (July 1, 2029), school facilities oversight board (July 1, 2030), board of executive clemency (July 1, 2030), board of massage therapy (July 1, 2031), Arizona exposition and state fair board (July 1, 2033), and property tax oversight commission (July 1, 2033).

• Requires the board of massage therapy to report by December 31, 2026 on background check procedures, effectiveness of new technology implemented in February 2025, and whether an establishment license requirement would combat sex trafficking.