[NFBAZ-EastValleyChapter] legislative update April 9 2026

[mark feliz]

A message from Jordan Moon:

Dear Federation Family,

I hope this message finds you all well! As we move into the second quarter
of 2026, I wanted to share a comprehensive update on where things stand
both here in Arizona and at the federal level. There is a lot happening,
and as always, your engagement makes all the difference.



ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE



SB1001: OLDER BLIND PROGRAM APPROPRIATION

First, thank you — again — for everything you have done on SB1001. As I
shared last week, both appropriations chairs are on board, and
Representative Livingston has committed to including the $1,000,000
appropriation for the Older Blind program in the final state budget. That
is a direct result of your voices and your advocacy.

We are now entering the next phase. We are actively engaging with the
Governor's office, and we will soon be sending out a call to action asking
members to contact the House Speaker and Senate President to urge them to
keep this funding in the final budget. We are in the home stretch — please
be on the lookout for that message and be ready to act when it arrives.



SB1690: BLIND AND LOW VISION VOTERS; ELECTRONIC VOTING ACCESS

This is an election year, and voting access for blind Arizonans has never
been more important. SB1690 aims to ensure that blind voters have full
access to electronic ballots and electronic ballot return — critical tools
for truly independent and private voting.

At this time, the bill appears to have stalled in the Senate Judiciary and
Elections Committee and has not advanced further this session. We are
disappointed by that, but we are not done pushing. Accessible, independent
voting is a right, not a privilege, and we will continue to advocate for
this legislation and engage with election officials directly.

We are proud to give a special shout-out to our Tucson Chapter, who have
done fantastic work engaging in direct conversations with the Pima County
Recorder's office on this very issue. That kind of local,
relationship-based advocacy is exactly what moves the needle, and we are
grateful for their efforts on the ground.



SB1577: WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY AS PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION

SB1577 addresses a critical issue for our community: ensuring that websites
are treated as places of public accommodation under Arizona law, rather
than being allowed to operate as private entities exempt from accessibility
requirements. For blind Arizonans who rely on screen readers and other
assistive technology, an inaccessible website is the same as a locked front
door.

This bill was referred to the Senate Government Institutions Committee and
has not moved further this session. We are monitoring its progress closely.
Accessible websites are not a luxury — they are a necessity, and we will
continue to advocate for this standard to be enshrined in Arizona law.



SB1824: BLINDNESS COMPENSATORY SKILLS; TEACHING CERTIFICATES

SB1824, sponsored by our ally Senator David Farnsworth, addresses
certification requirements for instructors who teach blindness compensatory
skills across the state. Ensuring that qualified, credentialed
professionals are available to serve blind and low vision Arizonans is
essential to the independence and opportunity our community deserves.

Many of you will remember that Senator Farnsworth was the proud recipient
of the Legislative Ally Award at our 2025 NFB of Arizona Legislative
Seminar during our state convention — an honor he earned in part through
his tremendous work helping us update Arizona's Braille standards last
year. We are grateful for his continued partnership and dedication to our
community.

We are still working to add amendment language to SB1824 that would
strengthen the bill further. If that is not possible before the session
closes, we are committed to working with Senator Farnsworth's office to
come back in 2027 with everything we need. This work will get done.



FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE



RECONCILIATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY BEFORE US

On the federal side, our national office has an important spring advocacy
push underway, and I want to make sure our members are informed and
prepared.

As you may have seen in the news, Congress is currently considering a
second budget reconciliation package. Reconciliation is a special
legislative process that allows certain bills to move through the Senate
without being subject to a filibuster — meaning it can pass with 51 votes
rather than the 60 typically required. This is a significant and
time-sensitive opportunity for our movement.

The national office believes there are real opportunities to include two
critical pieces of legislation in this package:

The Access Technology Affordability Act (ATAA), which would make assistive
technology more affordable and accessible for blind Americans.

The Blind Americans Return to Work Act, which would remove barriers that
currently discourage blind individuals from entering or returning to the
workforce.

It is worth noting that Arizona does not currently have any sponsors on
either of these bills, which makes the engagement of our members with their
representatives all the more important. You will be receiving action alerts
from the national office with specific steps you can take. When those
alerts arrive, please act promptly — timely responses from constituents
truly move the needle with congressional offices.



CLOSING

Thank you for all that you do for blind Arizonans and across the nation.
The work you do matters deeply, and it shows in the progress we continue to
make together.

In Federation,

Jordan Moon
1st Vice-President/Legislative Director
National Federation of the Blind of Arizona



-- 
Mark Feliz
NFBA. East Valley Chapter member
Cell: 480-560-0641
LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT
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