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A Look at Arizona’s New Laws

January 24, 2025

Did you know that more than 200 Arizona new laws were signed into effect in 2024? At the Tucson law firm of Janet Altschuler, we are always working to stay apprised of Arizona’s latest laws and regulations so that we can better represent our clients. Here is a look at some of the newest Arizona laws passed in 2024 that may affect your daily life. 

Lower DUI Threshold for Rideshare Drivers

Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber have become increasingly popular over the past decade, but the law is still catching up when it comes to regulating this industry. In an effort to better protect rideshare users and ensure safety for everyone on the road, the DUI threshold for rideshare and taxi drivers has been reduced from 0.08 to 0.04. If drivers are found to be driving under the influence, they will face an automatic 90-day license suspension. This law was passed with resounding bipartisan support in the Arizona House of Representatives and Arizona State Senate.  

Fewer Restrictions on Homemade Food Products for Sale

Arizonans cherish the tradition of purchasing homemade foods like tamales and baked goods from roadside vendors. With the recent passage of House Bill 2042, Arizona’s “cottage food law” was expanded to allow perishable goods requiring refrigeration prepared in home kitchens to be sold commercially. These foods are sold without regulation from the health department, but vendors must take a food handling course and clearly label foods with a disclaimer indicating that the product was made in a home kitchen that is not subject to public health inspection. 

Homeowners Can Keep Chickens in Their Backyards 

Aspiring homesteaders have reason to celebrate, as Arizona now allows residents to keep up to 6 chickens in their backyards (no roosters are allowed). There are still regional and neighborhood restrictions, so check local HOA bylaws and municipal codes before bringing home any new backyard pets. Additionally, there are some rules and regulations dictating how close coops can be to homes. 

Crackdown on Event Ticket Resellers 

Perhaps the most publicized of Arizona’s newest laws is the Taylor Swift bill, or House Bill 2040, which cracks down on event ticket resellers who employ automated bots to purchase and resell tickets for major sports and concert events. The frenzy that ensued when tickets for Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour went on sale in 2022 was inspiration for this new bill. For that show and many other major events, fans resorted to purchasing from secondary vendors with exorbitant markup and fees rather than purchasing tickets through official channels. 

If you have been charged with a crime in Tucson, count on Janet Altschuler to help you build your defense and protect your rights throughout the process. As an experienced Arizona attorney, Ms. Altschuler provides her clients with aggressive, energetic advocacy in and out of the courtroom. When you need a lawyer in Tucson, call 520-247-1789. 

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