Arizona Attorney General's Office

The subcommittee discussed its scope of work in relation to statutory language regarding hate crimes, noting the introduction of HB2175 in the Arizona House of Representatives. Key discussion points involved leveraging information from community partners and reviewing a draft scope of work. Strategies for conducting community listening sessions with organizations, members, and law enforcement were reviewed. Additionally, the subcommittee focused on data gathering, identifying resources such as The Treavor Project and the Williams Institute, while acknowledging challenges related to data representativeness and state-specific breakdowns. Task forces were established to address a community survey and law enforcement outreach/data gathering.

Key discussion topics included the finalization of the draft stakeholder survey instrument, which was due by close of business. The work group on Law Enforcement sessions reported that initial sessions would mirror those conducted regarding antisemitism, involving Zoom sessions to gather law enforcement perspectives on hate crime legislation and mitigation efforts focused on the LGBTQ+ community. Specific considerations discussed for these sessions included tracking law enforcement outreach, nuances related to gender perception and relationship characterization, distinguishing youth from adults, and accounting for commercial sex work in relation to hate-based crimes. A focus guide from the antisemitism focus group sessions for law enforcement will be circulated for feedback discussion at the April subcommittee meeting. Additionally, a public comment was received regarding legislative updates and how the public can learn about the subcommittee's findings.

The meeting commenced with introductory remarks emphasizing the subcommittee's mission and recent approval from the ACRAB Board to advance key initiatives. The dual focus for the current period includes addressing civil rights concerns related to crime-free housing policies and challenges concerning rent affordability across Arizona. Key activities planned are the development of two educational fact sheets—one on crime-free lease addenda and another on policy impacts on rent affordability—and organizing a stakeholder roundtable in Spring 2026 to gather diverse perspectives. A report was provided from the Civil Rights Division highlighting cases concerning disability-based needs for reasonable accommodations.

Key discussions included updates from the ACRAB January 6, 2026 meeting concerning draft fact sheets and setting a date for a stakeholder roundtable, which requires input from staff. The subcommittee reviewed statutory language regarding evictions and crime-free lease addendums, and members committed to sharing relevant data. Additionally, updates were provided on recent activities from the Housing Justice Unit and Civil Rights Division, specifically mentioning a settlement against Real Page regarding algorithmic price fixing. Members also discussed current Arizona legislative efforts related to housing protections and an upcoming confirmation hearing for the Director of the Arizona Department of Housing. The subcommittee entered an Executive Session to review conflicts of interest and member obligations.

The meetings covered several key topics, including elections for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson following resignations and term expirations. Key discussion points included planning for new civil rights issues. The Board voted to hold a fact-finding forum regarding recommending legislation to create a civil remedy for human trafficking victims, a topic assigned lead priority. Another priority topic involved fact-finding on age discrimination protections under Arizona versus federal law, potentially leading to a request for an Attorney General opinion. The Board also agreed to explore action regarding same-sex couples adopting or receiving DCS-placed children. Discussions also involved updates on pending civil rights legislation and litigation, and a review of data needs. Future topics planned include drafting a legislative proposal on human trafficking civil remedies and focusing on age discrimination next. The Board also discussed creating a public calendar for training events and work on inclusive housing topics.