Manuelita Beck is a journalist with nearly two decades of experience in digital transformation, editing, and multimedia production.
Arizona lawmakers are considering a bipartisan plan to create a $5 million rental assistance program to help families facing eviction.House Bill 2682, which would create the Arizona Rental Assistance Program within the Department of Economic Security, cleared a key committee approval Tuesday.
“I think it's very clear that in our communities, people are looking for answers and not just talking points,” said state Rep. Alma Hernandez, the bill sponsor. “At the end of the day, we know that what Arizonans are really struggling with is making ends meet.”The bill comes after Maricopa County saw a near record number of evictions in 2025, with 84,833 cases filed.“I think we can all agree that $5 million is a drop in the bucket, right, especially when we're talking about our budget here in Arizona,” Hernandez said. “However, we have to start somewhere.”The program would be open to tenants facing a temporary financial emergency who’ve lived in their home for at least 12 months, are not more than two months behind in rent and have at least one child younger than 18 in the household.The aid – two months’ rent or $5,000, whichever is less – would be paid directly to landlords, unless they refuse the payment.Tenants would only eligible for help once every 12 months.“This approach respects personal responsibility while recognizing that rising costs have made it harder for working families to stay ahead,” said state Rep. Tony Rivero, one of the bill’s Republican cosponsors.Rivero, who represents Legislative District 27, called the legislation a “practical, fiscally responsible solution.”“Housing stability should not be a partisan issue,” he said.Hernandez told the House Commerce panel on Tuesday that Arizona cannot just rely on nonprofits to provide rental aid.“Although I appreciate all the amazing work they're doing, I think as a state, we could be doing better,” she said.Connie Phillips, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, said her nonprofit has gotten more than 2,000 calls since July 1 for help with rent or utilities.“We don't do any rental assistance, and so we help 77 people out of those 2,000 with some utility assistance,” she told ABC15.Under HB 2682, DES would administer the Arizona Rental Assistance Program, deciding on applications within five days.But the agency is grappling with long waits for other programs it runs, such as unemployment and federal food assistance. ABC15 has reported that the backlog for unemployment appeals stretches back a year, and applicants for SNAP are waiting more than 30 days.When asked if she has any concerns about placing the program within DES, Hernandez said she’s aware of the current issues and acknowledged that funding for the program would need to include staffing.“The goal of this is to get the services and the funding out as quickly as possible, which is why we implemented the five-day requirement for a decision whether or not they get it,” she said.Hernandez, who said she is scheduled to talk with Gov. Katie Hobbs’ office and the agency this week, also pointed to DES’ success in running a similar program during the pandemic.The Arizona Multihousing Association, a landlord group, is backing the bill. Courtney LeVinus, the group’s president and CEO, described HR 2682 as a pilot program focused on short-term financial needs.“Short-term rental assistance helps people catch up, rather than fall further behind,” she told lawmakers on the House Commerce panel. “It keeps families housed, keeps children in school and keeps Arizonans working.”Rental assistance can help prevent people from entering an “eviction spiral,” LeVinus said, noting that it’s harder and more expensive for tenants to find housing once they have an eviction on their record.HB 2682 advanced out of the committee on a 7-4 vote.All of the Democrats on the panel voted in favor of the measure, also though some raised concerns about the eligibility requirements.Four Republicans voted against the bill, while three voted in favor.“This is not a handout, it's a hand up,” said state Rep. Walt Blackman, who voted to advance the bill.Meanwhile, state Rep. Neal Carter said the bill creates a new entitlement program, adding that a “world where the government provides everything is a world where the government can take everything away.'HB 2682 must also clear a House Appropriations vote before it can move on to the full House.
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