SB1171

THE CONTEXT: FPCCs are issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for persons and applicants who are seeking licenses that require fingerprint background checks. In order to receive an FPCC, a person must: 1) complete an application; 2) submit a full set of fingerprints to the Fingerprinting Division of DPS; 3) pay associated fees; and 4) be at least 18 years old.

WHAT THE BILL DID: Requires, as a condition of licensure for outlined behavioral health facilities, each applicant, licensee and owner to be a U. S.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to give patients, families, and providers a clearer legal standard for fingerprinting. It would requires, beginning January 1, 2027, each applicant, licensee, owner and controlling person of any of the following types of behavioral health facilities, as a condition of licensure, to be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States and have a valid Level I FPCC: a) outpatient treatment centers that provide only behavioral health services; b) behavioral health inpatient facilities; c) behavioral health residential facilities; d) counseling facilities; e) substance abuse transitional facilities; and f) behavioral health specialized transitional facilities, and would also become effective on the general effective date. Amendments Adopted by the House of Representatives Adopted the strike-everything amendment relating to FPCC requirements for behavioral health facilities. Governor's Veto Message The Governor indicates in her veto message that she remains open to working with the Legislature on additional reforms to prevent fraud, waste and abuse in Medicaid, but that she will not do so at the expense of the good healthcare providers on which Arizonans rely. House Action Senate Action HHS 3/23/26 DPA/SE 7-1-3-1 Final Read 6/11/26 16-11-3 3 rd Read 5/5/26 31-20-9 Vetoed by the Governor 6/19/26 Prepared by Senate Research June 23, 2026 MM/MS/hk, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.