Arizona’s Unconstitutional “Axon Bill” Heads To Court April 10 As Voters Defend Their Rights
Lawyers, Lobbyists And Legislators Colluded With Axon To Shield Controversial Zoning Decisions From The Voters. The Voters Are Fighting Back
(Scottsdale, Ariz.) Senate Bill1543 also known as the “Axon Bill” makes it impossible to challenge certain rezoning decisions at the ballot box. It was approved by the Arizona Legislature, signed by Governor Katie Hobbs after Axon hired legions of lobbyists to undermine the will of the voters. On April 10 at 9:30 a.m., Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Michael Herrod will hear oral arguments challenging this unconstitutional legislation.
The lawsuit centers on the Arizona Constitution’s ban on so-called “special legislation,” like the Axon Bill.
TAAAZE (Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions) is leading this effort. In December 2024 TAAAZE submitted nearly 27 thousand signatures to challenge a previous lame duck council decision to approve Taser manufacturer Axon’s rezoning request to build nearly 1,900 apartments in north Scottsdale. Axon then convinced the Arizona Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign the Axon Bill that prevents some zoning issues, such as Axon’s, from going to the ballot box.
TAAAZE has retained the respected law firm of Perkins Coie, LLP to lead the litigation. Its complaint against SB1543 states in part:
“This Legislation is not about benefitting “this state.” And it’s certainly not about benefiting Scottsdale and other mid-sized cities. It is about benefitting Axon. Underscoring this already obvious fact, when signing the Legislation, the Governor called it the “Axon Bill” and hosted a signing ceremony at Axon’s current headquarters.”
TAAAZE Chairman and former Scottsdale City Councilman Bob Littlefield said, “The Axon Bill not only violates the Arizona Constitution but also the very premise of local governments all over Arizona. If Axon is allowed to use this law to force thousands of apartments on a Scottsdale neighborhood, it’s a safe bet other bad actors will use it elsewhere in Arizona. Your neighborhood could be the next victim of the Axon Bill.”