Overview
- Hobbs vetoed the bill on June 10, citing its imposition of personal liability that could stifle open discussion and leave educators vulnerable to costly lawsuits.
- The Legislature had approved House Bill 2867 with a 33-20 vote, including support from a handful of Democrats who crossed party lines.
- Under the legislation, students over 18 or parents of younger pupils could sue teachers and administrators for creating a hostile environment and demand damages paid from educators’ personal funds.
- The Arizona Education Association, the ACLU of Arizona and Jewish groups contended the bill would chill free speech, risk First Amendment violations and aggravate the state’s teacher shortage.
- Republican Rep. Michael Way maintained the measure was needed to address a surge in antisemitism since the Israel-Hamas war and pointed out that similar legislation is under consideration in Louisiana and Michigan.