Arizona HB 2138: ABOR; optional retirement programs

Bill Text

Chapter 0047 - 572R - H Ver of HB2138 

 House Engrossed

 firefighters; 
 employment status

 State of Arizona

 House of Representatives

 Fifty-seventh Legislature

 Second Regular Session

 2026

 CHAPTER 47

 HOUSE BILL 2138

AN 
ACT

amending section 23-1021.01, 
arizona revised statutes; relating to firefighters. 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Section 23-1021.01, Arizona Revised 
Statutes, is amended to read:

START_STATUTE23-1021.01. Peace officers; firefighters; employment status; definition

A. A peace officer or fire fighter as 
defined in section 1-215 firefighter who is 
injured or killed while traveling directly to or from work as a peace officer or firefighter shall be considered in the course and scope of 
employment solely for the purposes of eligibility for workers' compensation 
benefits, provided that the peace officer or fire fighter firefighter is not 
engaged in criminal activity.

B. Nothing in This section shall does not create any liability on the 
part of the peace officer's or fire fighter's firefighter's employer 
for any civil damages occurring through the peace officer's or fire 
fighter's firefighter's 
negligent or intentional conduct while traveling to or from work as a peace 
officer.

C. For the purposes of this section, 
"firefighter" means a professional firefighter who is any of the following:

1. A state firefighter.

2. a member of a city or town fire department.

3. A member of a fire district fire 
department.

4. A member of a fire authority. END_STATUTE 

APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR APRIL 13, 2026.

FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE APRIL 13, 2026.