The Clock Is Ticking: Key Deadlines for Arizona’s 2025 Legislative Session

As the 2025 legislative session approaches, many individuals and organizations are unaware of the tight timelines that govern the legislative process. These deadlines are critical for anyone seeking to influence legislation, whether by proposing new bills, supporting favorable policies, or opposing problematic measures. Missing a deadline can mean missing an entire year of opportunity, so preparation is paramount.

Here’s an overview of some of the most important dates in the upcoming session:

Monday, January 13, 2025 Session begins. Bill pre-filing ends. The legislative session officially kicks off on January 13. This date marks the last opportunity for legislators to pre-file bills, giving them a head start on the process. Pre-filing allows lawmakers to focus on advancing their proposals as the session begins, so organizations advocating for legislation should already have their language finalized by this point.

Thursday, January 16, 2025 House limit of 7 bills per member is imposed. House members are limited to introducing seven bills each, a restriction designed to streamline the legislative process. This cap reinforces the need for careful prioritization. If your organization is working with a legislator, ensure that your proposed bill is among their top priorities to avoid being left out.

Friday, February 7, 2025 Last day for House members to submit bill requests to Legislative Council. By February 7, all bill requests must be submitted to Legislative Council for drafting. This body ensures that bills are legally sound and appropriately formatted for consideration. Since drafting can take time, early submission is critical to avoid delays.

Monday, February 10, 2025 Last day for House bills to be introduced without special permission. After this date, House members need special permission to introduce new bills. Organizations advocating for legislation should treat February 10 as a hard deadline to ensure their proposals are formally introduced.

Why These Deadlines Matter

The legislative process is intricate and fast-moving. Every deadline represents a gate that, once closed, may require extraordinary efforts—or even an entire year’s wait—to overcome.

If your organization plans to influence policy this session, now is the time to act. Key steps to take include:

1. Finalize Bill Language: Work closely with legislators and their staff to ensure your draft language is complete and ready for submission.
2. Engage Early: Build relationships with legislators, committee chairs, and other stakeholders. Early buy-in can be crucial for moving a bill forward.
3. Communicate with Legislative Council: Provide clear instructions and respond quickly to their requests for revisions or clarifications.
4. Monitor Deadlines: Create a calendar with all critical dates to ensure you never miss a submission window.

Time Is of the Essence

With just a few weeks until the session begins, the clock is ticking. Legislative success depends on preparation, strategy, and timing. Whether you are a business, nonprofit, or advocacy group, adhering to these deadlines is the first step toward achieving your policy goals in 2025.

If your organization needs assistance navigating the legislative process, consider partnering with experienced government affairs professionals. From drafting bill language to advocating on your behalf, a knowledgeable team can be the difference between a bill that passes and an opportunity lost.

Let’s make this session count!

Michael Infanzon is a government affairs expert and the Managing Partner at EPIC Policy Group. With over a decade of experience in lobbying and policy advocacy, Michael specializes in helping organizations navigate legislative processes and achieve meaningful outcomes.