STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – House Republicans on Monday passed House Bill 2993, legislation sponsored by House Speaker Steve Montenegro to protect Arizona law enforcement and keep the Department of Public Safety independent of Attorney General Kris Mayes’ political agenda, after Mayes publicly discussed circumstances under which members of the public could use deadly force against police officers. All House Democrats voted against the measure.

Mayes’ comments have been condemned by law enforcement leaders and elected officials across Arizona. The Arizona House censured Mayes for her statements.

“Attorney General Mayes chose to inject politics into life-and-death issues involving law enforcement,” said Speaker Montenegro. “DPS should not be required to take legal direction from an office that has shown it will blur the law and gamble with officer safety. HB 2993 gives DPS the ability to hire counsel it trusts. And it sends $6.4 million directly to DPS, where it supports the work that keeps Arizona families safe. House Republicans voted to back the badge. House Democrats voted the other way.”

HB 2993 allows DPS to hire outside legal counsel, ensuring the agency is not forced to rely on an Attorney General’s Office that has chosen political messaging over public safety. The bill also includes a $6.4 million supplemental appropriation for the Arizona State Troopers to address urgent operational shortfalls that are directly impacting public safety across our state, shifting resources from press and politics to operations and enforcement.

“Arizona’s troopers deserve clear legal guidance and a team that has their back, not an Attorney General chasing the next headline,” Speaker Montenegro said. “HB 2993 puts DPS in control of its own legal representation, keeps politics out of public safety decisions, and delivers funds to support the work that keeps our communities safe.”

HB 2993 now heads to the Arizona Senate for consideration.

Steve Montenegro is the Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives and serves Legislative District 29 in the West Valley, Goodyear, and Surprise. Follow him on X at @SteveMontenegro.