AZ HB2976

Establishes due process protections for justices of the peace facing administrative actions that materially affect their statutory authority, requiring written notice, independent hearing officers, clear and convincing evidence standards, and rights to counsel and judicial review.

Limits state and county administrative supervision over justice courts by excluding operational control, personnel decisions, payroll/budget management, and appointment of administrators unless expressly authorized by statute or constitutionally required.

Requires the Supreme Court, Administrative Office of the Courts, or presiding judges to report administrative orders affecting local court governance to legislative leadership within 10 days, including statutory authority citations and fiscal impact statements.

Prohibits counties from being required to implement new operational, reporting, staffing, or technology mandates from administrative orders unless the Legislature appropriates sufficient funding.

Applies to administrative actions initiated or ongoing after the effective date, with a 90-day compliance window for existing actions, while preserving completed disciplinary proceedings.