On April 23, 2025, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed House Bill 2945 (HB2945) into law, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to support its most vulnerable citizens. Introduced by Representative David Livingston, this legislation addresses critical funding and reform needs for Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), a vital safety net for approximately 60,000 Arizonans with developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and other conditions. The bill’s passage and signing into law represent a rare moment of bipartisan collaboration in Arizona politics, delivering immediate relief to families and providers while ensuring long-term stability for the program. This article explores the origins, provisions, and impacts of HB2945, as well as the broader implications for Arizona’s approach to supporting its disabled community.
The Origins of HB2945: Addressing a Crisis in the DDD Program
The Division of Developmental Disabilities, administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), provides essential services such as in-home care, therapy, and support for independent living to individuals with developmental disabilities. For years, the program has been a lifeline for families across the state, enabling children and adults to maintain dignity and independence. However, by early 2025, the DDD program faced a looming crisis. Budget shortfalls, rising demand for services, and a lack of transparency in funding allocation threatened to destabilize the system. Advocates warned that without immediate action, the program risked significant cuts that would disproportionately harm Arizona’s most vulnerable residents.
Representative David Livingston, a Republican from Legislative District 28, recognized the urgency of the situation. Livingston, a seasoned legislator known for his focus on fiscal responsibility, introduced HB2945 as a comprehensive solution to the DDD crisis. The bill aimed to secure funding for the program while implementing reforms to ensure accountability and sustainability. Livingston’s proposal quickly garnered bipartisan support, reflecting a shared understanding among Arizona lawmakers that the needs of the disabled community transcended political divides.
Legislative Journey: Bipartisan Support and Swift Passage
The path to HB2945’s passage was a testament to the power of collaboration in Arizona’s state legislature. On April 23, 2025, the Arizona House of Representatives passed the bill with overwhelming support, as announced by House Speaker Steve Montenegro. Montenegro, a Republican representing Legislative District 29, praised the bill as a responsible and effective plan to support Arizona’s 60,000 DDD participants. “The House has overwhelmingly approved a responsible and effective plan to fully fund Arizona’s Developmental Disabilities program and ensure services continue for the families of 60,000 vulnerable adults and minors who rely on this vital safety net,” Montenegro stated in a press release. He also highlighted the inclusion of “common-sense guardrails” to provide transparency and prevent future funding shortfalls.
The bill then moved to the Arizona Senate, where it received equally strong support. The Senate, led by a coalition of Democrats and Republicans, passed HB2945 with a vote of 28-1-1, as reported by the Arizona Senate Democrats via their official X account (@AZSenateDems). The lone dissenting vote came from Senator Hoffman, with Senator Bolick not voting. The bipartisan agreement was a significant achievement, especially given the often contentious nature of budget-related legislation. The Senate’s vote underscored a shared commitment to protecting Arizona’s most vulnerable citizens, with lawmakers from both parties uniting behind the bill’s objectives.
To Katie Hobbs’ Desk
Following its passage in the Senate, HB2945 was sent to Governor Katie Hobbs for her signature. Hobbs, a Democrat who has prioritized social services since taking office, signed the bill into law on the same day, April 23, 2025. In a series of posts on X (@GovernorHobbs), Hobbs celebrated the signing as a victory for Arizonans with developmental disabilities and their families. “Today, I signed bipartisan legislation that will protect vital services for Arizonans with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities,” she wrote. Hobbs emphasized that the bill would end months of confusion and uncertainty for DDD participants, providing much-needed relief to families across the state.
Key Provisions of HB2945: Funding, Reforms, and Accountability
HB2945 is a multifaceted piece of legislation that addresses both the immediate funding needs of the DDD program and the structural issues that have plagued it in recent years. The bill’s key provisions can be broken down into three main areas: funding, reform, and accountability.
1. Securing Funding for the DDD Program
The cornerstone of HB2945 is its commitment to fully funding the DDD program, ensuring that services for 60,000 Arizonans remain uninterrupted. The bill allocates resources to cover the program’s immediate needs, addressing a funding shortfall that had threatened to disrupt critical services. Additionally, HB2945 prevents previously proposed 50% cuts to the Provider Preventative Care Group (PPCG), a key component of the DDD program that supports providers in delivering essential care. Governor Hobbs highlighted this achievement in her X posts, noting that the bill “adds common-sense guardrails and ensures PPCG will not be held hostage by the legislature again.”
2. Implementing Common-Sense Reforms
Beyond funding, HB2945 introduces reforms aimed at improving the DDD program’s efficiency and transparency. The bill incorporates feedback from families, providers, and budget experts to ensure that the program operates effectively. One significant reform is the inclusion of “common-sense guardrails,” as described by Speaker Montenegro. These guardrails are designed to provide greater transparency in how funds are allocated and spent, addressing concerns about mismanagement and inefficiency. By prioritizing accountability, the bill seeks to prevent future crises and ensure that the DDD program remains a reliable resource for Arizonans.
3. Ensuring Long-Term Stability
HB2945 also takes steps to secure the DDD program’s long-term stability. The legislation includes measures to prevent future funding shortfalls, such as mechanisms for regular budget reviews and adjustments. This forward-thinking approach reflects a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the program can continue to serve Arizonans for years to come. As Representative Matt Gress, an Arizona State Representative, stated in a graphic shared on social media, “HB2945 is proof that good policy rises above politics. It reflects the best of public service: a willingness to listen, to act, and to protect those who cannot always advocate for themselves.”
Impact on Arizona Families and Providers
The signing of HB2945 into law has brought immediate relief to Arizona families and providers who rely on the DDD program. For the 60,000 individuals enrolled in the program, the bill ensures that essential services such as in-home care, therapy, and support for independent living will continue without interruption. Families who had faced months of uncertainty can now breathe easier, knowing that their loved ones’ needs will be met.
Providers, too, have expressed gratitude for the bill’s passage. The prevention of 50% cuts to the PPCG means that providers can continue to deliver high-quality care without facing drastic reductions in funding. This stability is crucial for maintaining the workforce of caregivers and therapists who support DDD participants, many of whom require specialized, ongoing care.
Governor Hobbs captured the sentiment of many Arizonans in her X posts, stating, “Now, Arizonans with developmental disabilities and their families can feel some relief knowing services that allow them to maintain their independence and dignity will continue.” She also emphasized the broader significance of the bill, noting that “together, we showed Arizonans that bipartisanship can still deliver meaningful results in our state.”
Broader Implications: A Model for Bipartisan Governance
The passage of HB2945 is more than just a victory for Arizona’s disabled community—it is a powerful example of what can be achieved through bipartisan collaboration. In an era of increasing political polarization, the bill’s journey through the Arizona Legislature offers a glimmer of hope for those who believe in the potential of cross-party cooperation. Democrats and Republicans, from Representative Livingston to Governor Hobbs, worked together to address a pressing issue, prioritizing the needs of their constituents over partisan differences.
This spirit of collaboration was evident in the statements of key figures involved in the bill’s passage. Speaker Montenegro thanked his colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their efforts, while the Arizona Senate Democrats celebrated the bill as “a good day in Arizona.” Representative Gress echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of listening, acting, and protecting the most vulnerable.
The success of HB2945 could serve as a model for future legislative efforts in Arizona and beyond. By focusing on shared goals—such as supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring fiscal responsibility—lawmakers were able to bridge divides and deliver meaningful change. As Arizona faces other pressing challenges, from education to infrastructure, the bipartisan approach exemplified by HB2945 offers a blueprint for progress.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the DDD Program
While HB2945 represents a significant step forward, the work to support Arizona’s disabled community is far from over. The bill’s reforms and funding allocations provide a strong foundation, but ongoing vigilance will be needed to ensure that the DDD program continues to meet the needs of its participants. Lawmakers, advocates, and community members must remain engaged, monitoring the program’s implementation and advocating for additional resources as needed.
For now, though, HB2945 stands as a testament to what Arizona can achieve when its leaders come together for the greater good. As Governor Hobbs concluded in her remarks, “This is a good day in Arizona.” For the 60,000 Arizonans who rely on the DDD program, and for the families and providers who support them, HB2945 is more than just a piece of legislation—it is a lifeline, a promise, and a symbol of hope.
Photo taken by Gage Skidmore.