Overview
As amended by the strike-everything amendment to SB 1582 and the adopted Gress floor amendment, this bill proposes the addition of new statutory provisions to the Arizona Planned Communities Act that would significantly limit an association’s ability to regulate household pets. The amendment overrides conflicting provisions in community documents and imposes statewide standards on associations.
Key Changes
- Prohibition on Pet Restrictions Based on Breed, Size, or Weight – Prohibits associations from restricting or banning household dogs or cats based on breed, size, or weight, and renders any conflicting provisions in governing documents unenforceable—regardless of when adopted.
- Authority Limited to “Reasonable” Rules – Allows associations to adopt only reasonable rules related to pet behavior and number, provided those rules are consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Legislative Timeline
- June 9, 2026 – Passed the House by a 52-2 vote (six not voting); Transmitted to the Senate
- June 8, 2026 – On June 9, 2026 Third Read Calendar in the House
- May 5, 2026 – On House COW Calendar; amendment proposed by Representative Gress that: (1) specifies an association cannot prohibit or limit a dog or cat by breed, size or weight, rather than a household pet; (2) clarifies the association may adopt reasonable rules regarding the number or behavior of dogs or cats; and (3) removes provisions relating to regulating fowl. Passed out of COW as amended by Gress Floor Amendment (see link above).
- April 13, 2026 – On House Committee of the Whole (COW) Calendar; retained on calendar
- March 31, 2026 – Passed House Appropriations Committee as a strike-everything amendment
Impact
If enacted, this bill would significantly curtail an association’s ability to regulate pets and community aesthetics. Associations would lose longstanding authority to impose breed, size, and weight restrictions—tools often used to manage safety concerns, insurance requirements, and community standards. While some regulatory authority is preserved, the bill represents a material shift away from local control toward state-imposed limitations, increasing operational challenges and potential liability exposure for associations and their boards.