STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – The Arizona House of Representatives has passed House Concurrent Resolution (HCR2049), introduced by State Representative Khyl Powell, reaffirming Arizona’s sovereign authority under the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.

“The federal government does not have unlimited authority—our Constitution makes that clear,” said Representative Powell. “Arizona has the right to govern itself and to reject any federal actions that exceed constitutional limits. The House has taken a firm stand to ensure our state will not be forced into enforcing unlawful federal mandates.”

HCR2049 asserts Arizona’s authority to refuse cooperation with unconstitutional federal directives and strengthens the state’s position under the Ninth and Tenth Amendments. It acknowledges prior Supreme Court rulings that uphold a state’s ability to decline participation in federal programs that overstep constitutional bounds.

Arizona voters made their stance clear in 2014 with the passage of Proposition 122, amending the state constitution to prohibit state personnel and financial resources from enforcing unconstitutional federal actions. HCR2049 builds on this foundation, reinforcing the state’s right to self-governance and the protection of individual liberties.

The resolution urges the federal government to halt any actions that exceed its constitutional authority and calls for the repeal of coercive federal laws that threaten states with penalties for noncompliance. It also encourages Arizonans to take legal action when necessary to uphold the state’s sovereignty.

Once the Senate gives its approval, copies of the resolution will land on the desks of the President, congressional leaders, every state legislature in the nation, and Arizona’s U.S. congressional delegation.

The full text of HCR2049 is available here: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/1R/bills/HCR2049H.pdf.

Khyl Powell is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 14 in Gilbert. He serves as Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.