[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6343745,"mediaKeyId","2251778-676d5d25708fd3f8e46affcbbf6d3a98","parentId",2251778,"title","Solari executive outlines statewide 988, 2‑1‑1 and mobile crisis response serving Arizona","audioSeconds",1432,"startMs",2194000,"endMs",762000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2251778-676d5d25708fd3f8e46affcbbf6d3a98&start=2194&end=762","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2251778-676d5d25708fd3f8e46affcbbf6d3a98/thumbnail_2194000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6343745/Arizona/Solari-executive-outlines-statewide-988-211-and-mobile-crisis-response-serving-Arizona","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6343745-61e6f0602a3934a5909feaec9219d85f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190593&Signature=Sdl2WtJ7melyqzdWuloHmzLJXUsxTCYM-17EdvWMKoLRXTBF8EdoR-pGpILk0XI162-s~yV7wNvsvXCF5q9bex5wxYX6XrqeMSpli06qomVgrmO~W4zr9eSaZ8ZbMp71ORcs3X6YfGbmkpOIpCrll6TTBneGk~TI7RPa39pPSraBiwhoPBWMvVi~wM5Dnj2f6lgMKVtv59Ur~CCE~BMxdkL~aabfpD863sU6cF~uvD0yL54vQPqRCOdopfzNggZfk9cz2scdqefeKU1HT8a9kkXFOELc0iEQw9liv0l7r8ANAwmao2lpD3DdrLTWlSNGPZ~3NfwQKPsyPBOvYrvB9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Arizona State Legislature","date","2025-02-03T00:00:00Z","article","Justin Chase, chief executive officer of Solari Crisis and Human Services, told the Arizona House Health and Human Services Committee on Jan. 29 that Solari’s statewide crisis operations handle thousands of contacts each month and aim to keep individuals in the community and out of emergency rooms and law‑enforcement contacts.

Chase said Solari operates a 24‑hour crisis hotline and the statewide 988 operation in Arizona; a peer‑run warm line; a 2‑1‑1 information and referral system; mobile crisis dispatch; and targeted programs such as a domestic‑violence hotline and a veterans’ support line. “We’re really focused on what we call upstreaming — engaging individuals and families in the community that they call home and keeping them there whenever possible,” Chase said.

Chase gave the committee performance figures he said are current to the prior year: the crisis hotline handled almost 40,000 calls per month in Arizona across phone, text and chat; the peer warm line served roughly 7,000 callers per month; mobile crisis teams were dispatched about 5,000 times per month; and Solari’s Arizona 2‑1‑1 handled more than 523,000 interactions in the previous year. He also said Solari diverted nearly 11,000 calls out of 9‑1‑1 statewide in the past year and that the organization posts a public dashboard showing rolling 30‑day performance for Arizona, Colorado and Oklahoma.

Why it matters: Committee members pressed Solari on two practical problems legislators hear about from constituents: rising housing‑related needs and heat‑related risk. Chase said housing‑security calls make up roughly 60% of 2‑1‑1 volume and described Solari’s flex‑fund payments for short‑term housing assistance. He said that flex funds — often drawn from philanthropic and state partnerships — have kept 92% of recipients housed six months after assistance, reporting an average payment of about $1,628 per household on those flex fund interventions over a recent three‑year span.

On heat relief and older adults, Chase said 2‑1‑1 receives calls when cooling systems fail and that Solari partners with counties and community agencies to provide transportation to cooling centers and other short‑term supports.

Committee context: Members thanked Solari for the statewide coverage and asked several operational questions: Representative (Rep.) [name withheld in transcript] asked whether flex funds remain available as federal ARPA funding sunsets; Chase said some philanthropic and state partners (including the Arizona Department of Housing) continue to provide support but that sustainable funding is an active planning priority. Rep. [name withheld] asked whether Solari provides training or technical assistance for schools; Chase said the organization offers youth mental‑health first‑aid training and surge/critical‑incident supports but that the pandemic had shifted emphasis to phone and dispatch operations.

What Solari said about callers’ needs: Housing expense assistance, emergency shelter and utility assistance were top needs routed through 2‑1‑1, while the crisis hotline’s most frequent acute reasons were suicidal ideation/self‑harm, psychosis and anxiety; social concerns among youth also rose during school months, he said. Chase said Solari stabilizes callers on the phone about 88% of the time and dispatches community providers when necessary.

Ending: Committee members thanked Solari for the briefing and acknowledged the group’s role in statewide crisis response. Chase invited members to tour the Solari operations to see the dispatch and dashboard systems. The committee then moved on to legislative business.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","02/03/2025 - House Health & Human Services","oneSentenceSummary","Justin Chase, CEO of Solari Crisis and Human Services, told the Arizona House Health and Human Services Committee that Solari’s crisis hotline, peer warm line, 2‑1‑1 information and mobile crisis teams together handled hundreds of thousands of contacts last year and are intentionally used to divert calls away from 9‑1‑1 and emergency departments.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature Arizona, Arizona","taxId",78572,"location","Arizona","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6343729,"House committee deadlocks on bill to prohibit SNAP purchases of candy and soft drinks after heated debate",1964,3047000,5011000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2251778-676d5d25708fd3f8e46affcbbf6d3a98&start=3047&end=5011","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2251778-676d5d25708fd3f8e46affcbbf6d3a98/thumbnail_3047000.jpg","/articles/6343729/Arizona/House-committee-deadlocks-on-bill-to-prohibit-SNAP-purchases-of-candy-and-soft-drinks-after-heated-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6343729-8ea28f71f529d0ffb311545dbfd9b59d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190593&Signature=ExSGuDz1EnoIpWmwNPoWDkdqj4-sqFbSb1MU~cMJ4mkOZ5Xbf9hC5DFP3EHPGpDf6z7POr8p0z-ohnkPv6Cf4roqktg4xO1crTJ~ZFtKFIkPgZd7mZvfMRieb7QJmpXtfA2nSZD4hg3paiZ5UAGK~GwC7l08uv~akwlXKbqkc01p81x0XBcsXROmy5X~HgIKe8Be5N0fVffNJXZhQYYq2mJ7vUM4wSrkmjsQJAVB9-5RPfZL-EL2cCbc34qMnt2uNRCnT~~~01fZOEFjxcYvQjiotvD38KVyT9cNrGUKD-S8Dadve1D7h5ziohIIm7wMnszwZTDc4nnLOtFJNvQr0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 21‑65 would have directed the Arizona Department of Economic Security to request a USDA waiver to exclude candy, soft drinks and “comparable food items” from purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The bill required annual waiver requests until approval.

Supporters’ case: Sponsor Rep. Biasucci said federal SNAP funds should prioritize nutritious foods and argued that sugary drinks and candy contribute to chronic disease. Testimony in favor included health activists and students who presented epidemiological concerns and the idea that SNAP funds should not subsidize sugary, ultra‑processed products. Supporters pointed to high rates of obesity and prediabetes and said removing sugary drinks and candy from SNAP would lower consumption.

Opposition and practical concerns: Retailers and the beverage industry, represented by the Arizona Beverage Association, urged caution, arguing the bill’s definitions were vague and would force retailers to police tens of thousands of SKUs at checkout. Mike Gardner, representing beverage interests, gave examples—pop tarts, granola bars and mixed‑ingredient products—where a statutory ban would be difficult to administer and could increase retailer costs. Michelle Simpson of the William E. Morris Institute for Justice, speaking for low‑income household interests, said SNAP recipients rely on the program and that broad prohibitions would impose paternalistic controls and could harm families who rely on convenience foods.

Committee exchange: Members questioned the practicality and scope of any ban; some sought better evidence that a prohibition would reduce obesity or improve outcomes. Rep. Grama said government programs already set rules for SNAP and could consider incentives for healthy purchasing; Rep. Ligori said the bill’s language was too vague to enforce at checkout and suggested focusing on access to healthy food and additional prevention resources.

Vote and outcome: Vice Chair Heap moved the bill forward. The committee recorded a 6‑6 tie in roll call (6 ayes, 6 nays) on the motion to return HB 21‑65 with a due pass recommendation; the tie meant the committee did not give the bill a due‑pass recommendation and the bill failed to advance in that hearing.

Why it mattered: The debate highlighted tensions between public‑health goals and administrability and equity. Opponents warned that a statutory ban would create a compliance burden for retailers and could widen access problems for families in food deserts; supporters said the state should use policy levers to discourage unhealthy consumption of sugary drinks and candy, especially among children.

Ending: The sponsor said he would continue to refine the proposal and seek amendments to address definitional and operational issues; the committee did not advance HB 21‑65 at this session meeting.","The House Health & Human Services Committee deadlocked 6‑6 on Jan. 29 over a bill that would direct Arizona to seek a federal waiver to prohibit the purchase of candy, soft drinks and “comparable foods” with SNAP benefits.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6343734,"Committee narrowly backs interstate dental compact; state Dental Board opposed on discipline and sovereignty grounds",952,2138000,3090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2251778-676d5d25708fd3f8e46affcbbf6d3a98&start=2138&end=3090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2251778-676d5d25708fd3f8e46affcbbf6d3a98/thumbnail_2138000.jpg","/articles/6343734/Arizona/Committee-narrowly-backs-interstate-dental-compact-state-Dental-Board-opposed-on-discipline-and-sovereignty-grounds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6343734-1cf427c3144a53e2faa5ab108880794e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190593&Signature=Wg-8WpgcpG7ut4kV-utTqjpu1L75bOe2qZzTNuzWiCmhoZocVWvz11zQTshHc2x~folyakALHV3g7pNMEIfChQk6l51H1WwpHQMT9sLvrLd~-h50-CO5megUVdjDEaMlnjDvxsk00Tr3DEB5A-mHWpNWsCWyBta1WjAnlkNp6h-xCB0anWENf-ZGGhv2stCnnRi5WlAlPzTkle4E52jTeV8SeubLA3zRSRctcWwfP~SQkyGpGI8efwohK83lZOpqitwfu-hRA8w9A2Yoc~Y4r5MHkHzeZRRaASqqvqrv0de0fg2sS46qO6VdpeT3TDcPhdHDz3F6-9DfXzGaoTQ60A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sponsor and stakeholder testimony: Rep. (sponsor) told the committee HB 21‑90 would join Arizona to the national Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact to make licensure portable for dentists and dental hygienists across participating states. Supporters, including private dental practice owners and the Arizona Dental Hygienists Association, said portability would address workforce shortages by easing hiring of out‑of‑state providers and reducing the burden of maintaining multiple licenses.

Opposition and board testimony: Ryan Edmonson, director of the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners, testified in opposition and outlined concerns that the compact would undermine state regulatory authority. Edmonson said Arizona’s existing universal recognition laws already allow fast licensure for many out‑of‑state providers and cited an average five‑to‑six day processing time under the current system. He told the committee the compact commission model—one commissioner per participating state—would shift certain disciplinary and reporting processes to an interstate commission and could create an “unelected taxing authority” that levies fees on states and licensees. Other opponents, including practicing dentists, said the compact may reduce board access to full investigative records and could make reciprocal discipline more complex.

Supporters’ response: Dental hygienists and compact backers said the compact contains mechanisms for reporting adverse actions via a shared database, and that compact privileges can be revoked in remote states. Jesse Arment, representing the hygienists, explained that a revocation in a remote state should be reflected across compact privileges and that the compact’s coordinated database is intended to share adverse‑action information among states.

Why it mattered: Committee members focused questioning on the compact’s disciplinary mechanics, whether Arizona’s existing universal‑recognition laws already achieved the policy goals, and the potential fiscal and patient‑safety tradeoffs. Several members asked for clarity on who would pay commission fees and whether commission rules would preserve state authority.

Committee action: The committee voted to return HB 21‑90 with a due‑pass recommendation by roll call. The final committee tally was 7 ayes, 5 nays, 0 present, 0 absent.

Next steps: HB 21‑90 will proceed to further consideration; members and stakeholders may still seek amendments to clarify commission reporting, fee structures and discipline reporting requirements.","After extensive testimony for and against licensure portability, the House Health and Human Services Committee voted 7‑5 to return House Bill 21‑90 with a due‑pass recommendation. The measure would adopt the Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact, allowing practitioners from participating states to obtain a compact privilege to practice in Arizona without a new license.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6343740,"House committee gives \"due pass\" to bill creating Arizona Rare Disease Advisory Council after patient testimony",1007,1162000,2169000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2251778-676d5d25708fd3f8e46affcbbf6d3a98&start=1162&end=2169","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2251778-676d5d25708fd3f8e46affcbbf6d3a98/thumbnail_1162000.jpg","/articles/6343740/Arizona/House-committee-gives-due-pass-to-bill-creating-Arizona-Rare-Disease-Advisory-Council-after-patient-testimony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6343740-7fc24d23dc3928c8c44f11a6a848fcf0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190593&Signature=EFhrUHwm0R9ZrudUBw9bF-Up5emYKUk9h8Mh5NwtE3b3zr4ZKsLI7X~IU0x9oYT9i587zr5z7Yekn3bn5zi90Qc0mFrLlvlB~nYeyDSPhmrmQ65y7hWgzgFn99tqlPFq3uaTpbumml6Hqawf6fBv-GziYy8NHpALVteUyWxPrg~PCOVstWwcAQwXLolO6Tlsgo4nLV9uOL20VdEMF-yKS0tWf3IaZWEXxx7TSGzY7enB0TGoAYJ2kXdaW-wh~S~hV6x28pB6ccYR8CCcLe4TBbp21QZi2LrXyhYkxP7HH1QVWkPTER1sArP4BvEYUZ7dCsbbRD0GJinEfCkIyXhq6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rep. Hernandez, sponsor of House Bill 23‑80, told the committee HB 23‑80 would create a Rare Disease Advisory Council to educate state agencies and the Legislature on the needs of Arizonans with rare diseases and to make policy recommendations. Testimony at the Jan. 29 hearing included patients, medical providers and patient advocates who described diagnostic delays, high treatment costs and sparse research for thousands of rare conditions.

Dr. Melissa Meyer, a nurse practitioner and patient with stiff‑person syndrome, described years to diagnosis and limited treatment options. “We need a voice in current health care policy to address multiple levels from providers, testing, interventions, medications, research,” she told the committee. Dr. Mindy Burnworth, Arizona ambassador for the Rare Action Network (part of the National Organization for Rare Disorders), said 30 states already have advisory councils and urged Arizona to join them.

Vote and action: Vice Chair Heap moved that HB 23‑80 be returned with a due‑pass recommendation. Secretary Shannon called the roll; the committee voted 12 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present and 0 absent. The committee transcript records Representative Bliss asking for cost estimates and Representative Heap asking for follow‑up material; Representative Grama asked for measurable outcomes from other states and witnesses said they would follow up with NORD materials.

Why it matters: Witnesses said that roughly one in 10 Americans will at some point receive a rare‑disease diagnosis, and that 95% of rare diseases lack an FDA‑approved treatment. Advocates argued the council would provide a single state forum for stakeholders — patients, caregivers, clinicians and insurers — to advise policymakers on diagnosis, coverage, research priorities and outreach.

Committee context and next steps: The bill sponsor told members HB 23‑80 had been filed previously and revised based on stakeholder input. Committee members asked for additional material on costs and measurable outcomes from other states; sponsors and testifiers promised to follow up.

Ending: The committee gave HB 23‑80 a due‑pass recommendation and the bill will move forward for further floor consideration and any necessary appropriations or administrative steps.","The Arizona House Health & Human Services Committee voted 12‑0 to give House Bill 23‑80 a due‑pass recommendation. Sponsors and patient advocates told lawmakers a formal advisory council would give families affected by rare conditions a state voice on diagnosis, treatment access and insurance issues.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":80,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":83,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6343724,"Lawmakers consider bills to bar insurance coverage tied to organ procurement or genomics from Chinese entities after national security testimony",2969,6016000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2251778-676d5d25708fd3f8e46affcbbf6d3a98&start=3047&end=6016","/articles/6343724/Arizona/Lawmakers-consider-bills-to-bar-insurance-coverage-tied-to-organ-procurement-or-genomics-from-Chinese-entities-after-national-security-testimony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6343724-46aa8050680b71726b8f9ca1b6f6db0e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190593&Signature=ZZsIbQUWLoXZL7~iHAHMf-4ZkK4FW1vM7Oq8mHQ9rYcT6gX-rV46pOO5fpmJ5hyigMPk4GUbq-IWG3HHq0ylTg5HBR0h2jWf5vpsYDkP9UR~VDiZM8XBoqbaWaifXrzS3uufUuPP9idTrxsWzkEL0TYRtvbnw30~nk3nmSSEQ-io6ZnZ~LPv0h4JmF814LjS-xpPF-1emT49DIjyDicACHQTgl45MvcbOqdP2~reoLpdHnyf4rzjEd856baOpMII1ZPW-ZAg~kU-go6XBFZKL9OFi5bCJjkTdT~-SGdEaCsKH-Le8OUM1sgPh9AA2PPeQd6Gk~JOoiAdipixw-4zZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two related bills drew committee attention to national‑security risks tied to organ procurement and genetic‑sequencing technology.

Organ‑procurement coverage restriction (HB 21‑09): Rep. Biasucci introduced HB 21‑09 to allow insurers to limit coverage for transplants performed in the People’s Republic of China or the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or for organs procured by sale or donation originating there. Supporters argued the PRC has a history of coerced organ procurement; witness testimony described investigations and reports alleging organ sales and a fast‑track system for international organ recipients. The Arizona ACLU and human‑rights lawyers urged removal of stigmatizing policies in other bills but supported this bill as a measure to avoid subsidizing human‑rights abuses. The committee gave HB 21‑09 a due‑pass recommendation (7 ayes, 5 nays).

Genomic sequencing and foreign adversary restrictions (HB 26‑93): HB 26‑93 would allow insurers to limit coverage for genetic sequencing performed on devices or software produced by companies domiciled in or substantially controlled by a foreign adversary; it would also prohibit certain use and procurement of sequencers by health institutions and research facilities. Testimony cited documented concerns about Chinese firms’ relationships with the People’s Liberation Army, congressional inquiries and a former PLA official’s statements about genetically targeted weapons. Proponents argued the PRC’s national intelligence and industrial policy make genomic data a strategic risk, and they cited recent federal cybersecurity advisories about medical devices exfiltrating patient data to Chinese servers. The committee returned HB 26‑93 with a due‑pass recommendation by roll call (9 ayes, 3 nays).

Why it matters: Witnesses described how rapid transplants scheduled abroad or genetic databases accessible to adversary states could present biosecurity and human‑rights problems, and several members echoed concerns about protecting patient privacy and preventing state‑sponsored misuse of health data. Opponents urged careful drafting to avoid disrupting clinical research and legitimate cross‑border medical collaboration.

Committee action: Both bills received committee recommendations to proceed; members asked for continued coordination with federal agencies and clarified that the bills would not prohibit domestic research or ordinary medical practice with cleared vendors. Lawmakers said state action was appropriate where federal oversight or immediate federal law did not already prevent the risk.

Ending: Sponsors and advocates said they would continue to coordinate with federal authorities and with state agencies to refine the drafting and ensure clinical continuity while mitigating security risks.","Two bills — one prohibiting coverage for transplants performed in China or sourced from Chinese procurement, and another limiting use of genomic sequencers from firms domiciled in foreign adversary countries — drew testimony on documented allegations of forced organ harvesting and on security risks from foreign access to genomic data. Committee","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Solari executive outlines statewide 988, 2‑1‑1 and mobile crisis response serving Arizona

House committee deadlocks on bill to prohibit SNAP purchases of candy and soft drinks after heated debate

Committee narrowly backs interstate dental compact; state Dental Board opposed on discipline and sovereignty grounds

House committee gives "due pass" to bill creating Arizona Rare Disease Advisory Council after patient testimony

Lawmakers consider bills to bar insurance coverage tied to organ procurement or genomics from Chinese entities after national security testimony