Arizona’s legal landscape continues to evolve in 2025, building on recent law reforms. Below is an overview of significant changes Arizonans can expect. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please refer to official resources such as the Arizona Legislature and Arizona Department of Revenue.
Tobacco and Marijuana Laws
- Legal age for tobacco: The minimum age to purchase smoking remains at 21, consistent with federal standards and prior changes.
- Medical marijuana expansion: Arizona is considering more qualifying conditions for medical cannabis, potentially adding chronic pain and anxiety to the list, broadening access for those in need.
- Recreational marijuana: Possession limits may increase to up to three ounces for adults, reflecting trends toward relaxed personal use laws.
Minimum Wage and Worker Benefits
- Minimum wage increase: Arizona’s minimum wage will rise to $13.50 per hour starting January 1, 2025, as part of inflation-indexed annual adjustments (Arizona Minimum Wage resource).
- Paid sick leave: Employees can accrue up to 7 days of paid sick leave per year, with the ability to carry over up to 56 hours yearly.
- Family and medical leave: The total period for unpaid family and medical leave increases to 26 weeks for qualifying circumstances.
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Lactation Rights
- Workplace accommodations: Employers must provide expanded accommodations to support pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation, including longer breaks, access to private spaces, and flexible scheduling.
Equal Pay and Income Tax Changes
- Strengthened equal pay protections: Employers are further prohibited from pay discrimination based on sex unless there is a legitimate, non-gender-based reason.
- Income tax updates: The personal income tax rate is set at 5.65% for income over $30,000 (single) and $60,000 (joint), with a 4% surcharge on higher incomes (over $300,000 for singles, $600,000 for joint filers) to help fund education and infrastructure (Arizona Department of Revenue).
Elections and Voting
- Election day registration: Arizonans may now register to vote up to and on Election Day, making the process more accessible.
- Expanded early voting: Early voting is extended four weeks before elections.
- Mail-in ballots: All registered voters will automatically receive mail-in ballots for the 2025 primary and general elections (Arizona Secretary of State).
- Tax return disclosures: Statewide office candidates must provide five years of tax returns to appear on the ballot.
Government Transparency and Accountability
Campaign finance oversight: A permanent bipartisan commission will monitor campaign finance and so-called “dark money,” with citizen-driven recall efforts now requiring fewer signatures.