VICTORY: Arizona House Defeats HB 2873 to Protect Communities' Referendum Rights and Hold Government Accountable

Rural Arizona Action celebrates defeat of bill backed by data center lobbyists that would have silenced Marana residents and communities across Arizona

COOLIDGE, AZ – Today, June 11, Rural Arizona Action celebrates a major victory for Arizona voters after the State House of Representatives defeated HB2873, a bill backed by data center lobbyist that would have allowed referendum petitions to be withdrawn after they were filed and stripped communities of one of their most powerful tools to hold local government accountable.

Twenty-four legislators voted to protect the constitutional right of Arizonans to challenge decisions made without them, delivering a decisive win for communities across the state over special interests. This vote shows a strong support for the residents of Marana, who are actively fighting a data center development in the courts now.

“This victory is a win for voters and communities across Arizona. Regardless of where we live, the people most affected by a decision should have a meaningful voice in shaping it,” said Natali Fierros, Executive Director with Rural Arizona Action. “We are grateful to the legislators who listened, engaged, and stood against efforts to weaken public input and limit the ability of communities to influence decisions that impact their future.”

Data center lobbyists worked within the Arizona Senate, House, and the Governor's office to push this bill through. The bill had been specifically amended to target Marana residents who organized to challenge a proposed data center development in their community. The amendment made HB 2873 retroactive to January 1, 2026 and set to expire August 1, 2027, a timeframe designed to directly impact the Marana referendum effort and erase thousands of signatures that residents had lawfully collected.

Today’s defeat sends a strong message to data center lobbyists that they cannot use the legislature to silence communities. It ensures Arizona’s referendum process remains a meaningful tool for everyday people to hold the government accountable.

“Defeating HB 2873 was a collective effort. We worked alongside Marana residents and legislators to ensure Arizonans were represented. Today is a win for all of us,” Fierros added.

Rural Arizona Action credits the victory to the hundreds of Arizonans who sent letters, called and signed the petition to demand the end of HB 2873. Rural community members who traveled hours to the Capitol to have meaningful conversations with state leaders.

“Thank you to the 24 legislators who stood up for the constitutional rights of Arizonans over the interests of data center lobbyists,” said Antonio Ramirez, Political and Policy Director at Rural Arizona Action. “This bill would have silenced Marana and created a precedent in the fight against harmful developments such as data centers.”

Today's vote is a significant victory, but our work is not done. Rural Arizona Action will remain vigilant against any reconsideration votes or additional attempts by special interest groups.

Natali Fierros, Rural Arizona Action, Executive Director is available for interviews.

AZ Representatives who voted against HB2873:

Lorena Austin

Junelle Cavero

Janeen Connolly

Patty Contreras,

Quantá Crews

Oscar De Los Santos

Lisa Fink, Brian Garcia

Rachel Keshel

Alexander Kolodin

Sarah Liguori

Aaron Márquez

Justin Olson

Mae Peshlakai

Beverly Pingerelli

Khyl Powell

Cody Reim

Mariana Sandoval

Stephanie Simacek

Stephanie Stahl Hamilton

Stacey Travers

Betty Villegas

Kevin Volk

Jeff Weninger

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